A New York City jury convicted Nadine Menendez, the wife of convicted former New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez, on Monday for her role in a years-long bribery scheme with her husband.
She was found guilty on all 15 counts and is scheduled for sentencing on June 12. She wore a facemask and showed no reaction when the verdict was read.
Nadine Menendez, 58, and her husband have both been convicted of accepting hundreds of thousands of dollars in exchange for political favours that would benefit the Egyptian government while enriching themselves.
Menendez’s husband resigned from the United States Senate weeks after being found guilty of accepting lavish bribes such as gold bars and cash. He was sentenced to eleven years in prison and must surrender to authorities on June 6. He plans to appeal his conviction.
“Nadine Menendez and Senator Menendez were partners in crime. Over the span of five years, Nadine Menendez agreed to accept and accepted all sorts of bribes — including gold bars, cash, a Mercedes-Benz convertible, and a no-show job — all in exchange for the Senator’s corrupt official acts.
Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky stated that Nadine Menendez and the senator prioritised their own interests and greed over the interests of the citizens for whom the senator was elected.
“Today’s verdict sends the clear message that the power of government officials may not be put up for sale, and that all those who facilitate corruption will be held accountable for their actions.”
Nadine Menendez stood besides her attorney as he spoke outside of court.
“I’m devastated by the verdict. “We fought hard, and it hurts,” her attorney, Barry Coburn, stated. “This is a very rough day for us… the case is not over, and there will be other days, and we look forward to that.”
Nadine Menendez declined to answer questions or make her own statement following the verdict.
Bob Menendez’s surrender date was pushed back so he could assist her during her trial, but he was never there. He was on the defense’s list of potential witnesses but was not called.
Nadine Menendez bribery trial
During opening statements, prosecutors told jurors that “she did the dirty work,” claiming Menendez and her husband “engaged in a corrupt relationship with three New Jersey associates and businessmen” and provided Egyptian government officials with sensitive information.
One of the businessmen, Jose Uribe, testified that he bought Menendez a Mercedes-Benz in exchange for her husband’s influence in attempting to persuade state prosecutors to drop criminal charges against a friend and associate.
Uribe accepted a plea deal in the scandal.
Other alleged bribes included $100,000 in gold bars, home mortgage payments, and compensation for a job that went uncompleted. Former Senator Menendez stated during his 2024 trial that the gold belonged to his wife.
An FBI search of the couple’s home uncovered more than $480,000 in cash stuffed in envelopes and hidden in various locations, as well as $70,000 in Nadine Menendez’ safe deposit box. During his trial, the ex-senator explained that his habit of hoarding money began after his parents fled Cuba in the 1950s.
Nadine Menendez’s trial was also scheduled for 2024, but it was postponed while she received treatment for breast cancer.