A jury in New York City is set to resume deliberations in the bribery trial of Sen. Bob Menendez, the New Jersey Democrat accused of accepting gold and cash in exchange for using his political influence to assist three businessmen and the Egyptian government. Menendez, 70, maintains his innocence against the 16 counts in the criminal indictment, which allege various corrupt acts, including interference in criminal investigations to protect associates and aiding a businessman with U.S. agriculture regulators. Additionally, he is accused of acting as a foreign agent for Egypt.
Menendez is being tried alongside two New Jersey businessmen, all of whom have pleaded not guilty. Another defendant pleaded guilty before the trial and testified against Menendez and the other businessmen. Menendez's wife, Nadine, is also charged in the case, but her trial has been postponed due to her recovery from breast cancer surgery.
In a 2022 raid on their Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey home, FBI agents seized gold bars valued at nearly $150,000 and over $480,000 in cash, some of which was found hidden in boots and jackets bearing the senator's name.
Menendez expressed optimism as he left the courthouse, believing the jury was carefully reviewing the evidence. The jury had posed questions about the charges, including inquiring about the requirement for unanimity to acquit on a single count.
Prosecutors highlighted instances where they claimed Menendez assisted the businessmen and argued that his actions to expedite $99 million in helicopter ammunition to Egypt, coupled with close communications with Egyptian officials, indicated he was acting in Egypt's interests as an agent.
Menendez's defense team contended that the senator never accepted bribes and that his actions on behalf of the businessmen were typical duties of a public official. They argued that his efforts were part of his responsibilities as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, a position he had to relinquish after facing charges.
Menendez recently announced his intention to run for reelection this year as an independent candidate.
