BOB MENENDEZ FOUND GUILTY IN BRIBERY TRIAL

Sen. Bob Menendez has been found guilty on all 16 counts in his federal corruption trial, including bribery, extortion, wire fraud, obstruction of justice, and acting as a foreign agent. The New Jersey Democrat was convicted for his involvement in a bribery scheme where he and his wife allegedly received gold bars, cash, a Mercedes-Benz, and other bribes in exchange for his influence. Prosecutors argued that Menendez tried to use his power to benefit Egyptian military interests and interfere in criminal prosecutions, among other actions.

His wife, Nadine Menendez, also charged in the case, had her trial postponed due to a breast cancer diagnosis. Menendez faces a maximum of 222 years in prison if sentences for each charge are served consecutively. His co-defendants, Wael Hana and Fred Daibes, were also found guilty.

Back story:

Menendez was indicted in September on charges that he, his wife and three business associates engaged in a scheme in which the senator traded promises to use his office for cash, gold bars and a luxury vehicle. He pleaded not guilty.The New Jersey senator is on trial with two businessmen, Fred Daibes and Wael Hana, who also have pleaded not guilty. His wife, Nadine Menendez, is charged in the case as well, but her trial has been postponed following her breast cancer diagnosis.

The senator, who has represented New Jersey since 2006, declined to run as a Democrat for reelection this year and filed this month to get on the ballot as an independent. This is the second time in a decade that Menendez, 70, has been accused in a federal corruption case.