Former Senator's Wife Found Guilty in Bribery Scandal
A jury in New York has found Nadine Menendez, the wife of an ex-senator from New Jersey, guilty for her involvement in a long-running bribery conspiracy involving cash, gold bars, and a luxury car. Nadine, aged 58, was convicted on all 15 charges, including bribery and obstruction of justice, for assisting her husband, former Senator Robert Menendez, who accepted extravagant gifts in return for political favors. Initially charged alongside her husband in September 2023, her trial was delayed due to her breast cancer treatments. She is scheduled for sentencing on June 12. Robert Menendez was found guilty in July 2024 and received an 11-year prison sentence.
The US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York described the couple as “partners in crime” engaged in “corrupt official acts.” Their statement emphasized that the verdict underscores that governmental power is not for sale. Prosecutors during the trial insisted Nadine played a vital role in the bribery scheme, often accepting money and gifts on her spouse’s behalf. Her defense argued there was no evidence linking the gold and cash found at their home to any official actions by her husband. Barry Coburn, her lawyer, expressed his disappointment outside the courthouse, lamenting, “This is a very tough day for us.”
Nadine and Robert Menendez were convicted of conspiring to covertly assist the Egyptian government through Robert’s position in Washington, prosecutors alleged. Evidence presented included the discovery of over $100,000 worth of gold bars and substantial amounts of cash at their New Jersey residence during a 2022 FBI search. Prosecutors also revealed digital evidence such as text messages between the Menendez couple and associates, alongside a Google search by Robert asking, “How much is one kilo of gold worth?” New Jersey property developer Fred Daibes and Wael Hana, an Egyptian-born halal certification company operator, were also charged and found guilty for their participation. Insurance broker Jose Uribe entered a guilty plea in March 2024 related to the corruption scheme.