U.S. Senator Bob Menendez is facing his second corruption trial in a decade, with his political career and freedom at stake. He and his wife are accused of accepting bribes from wealthy businessmen in exchange for favors, including meddling in criminal investigations and taking actions benefiting foreign governments.
Menendez’s lawyers argue he did nothing illegal, but the damage to his reputation could make a political comeback difficult.
Menendez, a New Jersey Democrat, was forced to relinquish his powerful position as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee after charges including bribery, fraud, extortion, and acting as a foreign agent of Egypt. His fellow Democrats have encouraged him to resign, and his trial is expected to last up to two months.
The prosecution’s case includes evidence of gold bars and cash found in Menendez’s home, as well as testimony from one of the businessmen, Jose Uribe, who pleaded guilty and is expected to testify against Menendez.
The senator’s lawyers may argue that his wife, Nadine, kept him in the dark about her dealings with the businessmen, but prosecutors say Menendez was actively involved in the corruption scheme.
Menendez has maintained his innocence and defiantly stated he will prove it, but the evidence against him is remarkable. Even if he is acquitted, his reputation may be irreparably damaged, making a political comeback unlikely.
