In a surprising turn of events, Jose Uribe, a New Jersey businessman, pleaded guilty on Friday to charges of attempting to bribe U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez. As part of the plea agreement, Uribe has agreed to testify as a witness in the corruption case against Menendez and his wife, Nadine Menendez.

Uribe, hailing from Clifton, New Jersey, entered his guilty plea in Manhattan federal court to seven charges, including conspiracy to commit bribery, honest services wire fraud, obstruction of justice, and tax evasion. Prosecutors allege that Uribe provided the Menendez couple with a Mercedes-Benz in exchange for their influence over foreign affairs.

Under the terms of the plea agreement, Uribe could potentially face up to 95 years in prison, but his cooperation and testimony against the other defendants may earn him leniency. Additionally, he has agreed to forfeit $246,000, which represents the proceeds derived from his illegal activities.

Uribe is one of three businessmen involved in the corruption case against Menendez and his wife, which was initially revealed last fall. The couple is accused of accepting bribes in the form of cash, gold bars, and luxury vehicles in return for leveraging their political positions.

During the undisclosed proceeding on Friday before Judge Sidney H. Stein, Uribe entered his guilty plea. He remains free on a $1 million bond that was set at the time of his arrest. The plea agreement, dated Thursday, was signed by Uribe on Friday.

The specific charge against Uribe revolves around providing Nadine Menendez with a Mercedes-Benz convertible after Senator Menendez called a government official on behalf of an associate of Uribe. Uribe's attorney, Daniel Fetterman, has declined to comment on the matter.

The trial for Menendez, his wife, and the other businessmen involved is scheduled to commence in May. Federal prosecutors allege that Menendez, former chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, used his political influence to benefit foreign governments in exchange for bribes facilitated by associates in New Jersey.

The indictment further claims that Menendez and his wife accepted gold bars and cash from a real estate developer, while the senator utilized his clout to secure a lucrative deal for the developer with a Qatari investment fund. Menendez is also accused of helping another business associate secure a government contract with Egypt, allegedly in exchange for bribes.

In addition to these charges, Menendez stands accused of using his international standing to assist a friend in obtaining a multimillion-dollar deal with a Qatari investment fund, including taking actions favorable to the Qatari government.

It is important to note that Nadine Menendez was not charged in connection with a fatal car accident she was involved in, during which her previous car was destroyed. Uribe allegedly purchased the luxury vehicle for her following the incident.

No immediate comments were made by the attorneys representing Menendez and his wife regarding Uribe's guilty plea. As this high-profile corruption trial continues to unfold, the extent of the alleged misconduct and its implications for the accused parties remain to be seen.