Nadine Menendez, wife of former U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez, was convicted late Monday in her federal bribery and corruption trial. Sen. Menendez was previously convicted on similar charges.
Nadine Menendez was accused of acting as her husband’s “partner in crime” in a scheme that allegedly exchanged political favors for gold bars and large sums of cash.
Prosecutors argued the senator’s influence was essentially “up for sale” and described Nadine Menendez as a go-between who facilitated payments from wealthy donors in return for government access. The trial, which began on March 18 after delays due to her breast cancer diagnosis, was repeatedly stalled, most recently just last week.
Despite initial expectations that the trial would extend into mid-May, jurors begin deliberations last Friday after only three weeks of testimony. During closing arguments, prosecutors said Nadine Menendez played an active role in the conspiracy as they presented evidence they said clearly outlined her participation.
“Together, Nadine Menendez and the Senator placed their own interests and greed ahead of the interests of the citizens the Senator was elected to serve,” said a statement from the office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York. “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 is set to be sentenced in June, the same month her husband is due to report to prison to begin serving an 11-year sentence.
