Bob Menendez Convicted of Corruption, Including Accepting $150,000 in Gold Bars
Jury Finds Menendez Guilty, Seizes Gold and Cash
Statement from US Attorney's Office
NEW YORK, NY - Bob Menendez, the New Jersey Democratic Senator, was convicted Tuesday on all counts of corruption charges against him, including accepting bribes in the form of cash and gold bars. The jury found that Menendez had accepted over $150,000 in gold bars from a Florida eye doctor, Salomon Melgen, in exchange for political favors. Prosecutors presented evidence that FBI agents had seized gold bars worth nearly $150,000 and cash mostly in stacks of $100 from Menendez's home and office.
In a statement, US Attorney for the District of New Jersey Craig Carpenito said, "Today's verdict is a victory for the rule of law. Senator Menendez abused his power and betrayed the public trust for personal gain. He put his own interests above those of the people he represents." Menendez's conviction is a significant victory for prosecutors, who have been investigating the senator for several years. It is also a blow to Democrats, who have controlled the Senate by a slim margin. Menendez is now facing pressure to resign from office.
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