A US Senator was convicted of corruption
In the USA, a Senator is found guilty of corruption in the United States. The 70-year-old Democrat from New Jersey faces a long prison sentence. He is accused of using his political influence for the governments of Egypt and Qatar and in return received money, a luxury car, and gold bars.
US Senator Bob Menendez has been found guilty of corruption. Twelve jurors in New York convicted the democratic representative in all 18 charges - including bribery and fraud. According to US media reports from the courtroom, the sentencing is yet to be announced in the fall. Menendez faces a long prison sentence.
According to "New York Times," Menendez is the seventh sitting Senator in US history to be convicted of a crime. The democratic majority leader in the Senate, Chuck Schumer, called for his resignation.
The jury considered it proven that Menendez used his political influence in favor of the Egyptian and Qatari governments, directed aid and weapons there, and in return accepted bribes, gold bars, and luxury items. Investigators found approximately 500,000 US dollars in cash - according to the prosecution, hidden in envelopes and in his jackets. In addition, there were reports of furniture and a "luxury car."
Menendez pleaded not guilty. The trial of his also indicted wife is delayed due to her cancer treatment. The Democrat Menendez has represented New Jersey in the Senate since 2006 on the US East Coast. In the past, investigations against him focused on questionable business deals and luxury trips. However, there was never a conviction.
Now that Menendez has been convicted, US media are speculating whether and when Menendez will resign. If he drags out his resignation, his colleagues and colleagues in the democratic party would have to face unpleasant questions: Should they allow someone to work in committees and receive intelligence information who has been bought from abroad? Will they force an expulsion of Menendez through a vote?
Along with the politician, two businessmen were convicted who had bribed Menendez. They did not deny the bribes, but claimed that it was either gifts without quid pro quo or loans.
The corruption case against Senator Bob Menendez originates from his home state of New Jersey in the United States. Despite facing serious allegations of bribery and fraud, Menendez has represented Democrats in the Senate since 2006.
