The New Jersey Democrat was accused by federal prosecutors in New York of accepting bribes in the form of cash, gold bars, mortgage payments, and more, in exchange for using his political influence. The jury deliberated for approximately 13 hours over three days before reaching their verdict.

The charges against Menendez included bribery, fraud, acting as a foreign agent, and obstruction, to which he pleaded not guilty. Alongside him, three New Jersey businessmen and the governments of Egypt and Qatar were also allegedly involved. Two of the co-defendants, Wael Hanna and Fred Daibes, were also found guilty on all counts they faced.

Prosecutors claimed that Menendez had "put his power up for sale," alleging that he accepted gold, envelopes stuffed with cash, checks for a no-show job given to his wife, and even a Mercedes-Benz convertible in exchange for favors. The FBI discovered gold bars and over $400,000 in cash hidden in various locations within Menendez's home.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer wasted no time in calling for Menendez's resignation in light of the guilty verdict. Schumer emphasized that Menendez needed to do what was right for his constituents, the Senate, and the country as a whole.

The sentencing for Menendez, who faces possible decades in prison, has been scheduled for October 29. Throughout the trial, the defense argued that all actions mentioned in the indictment fell within the scope of Menendez's position, stating that prosecutors failed to prove any bribes were accepted. Defense attorney Adam Fee even referred to the government's case as "cherry-picked nonsense," accusing them of manipulating the facts.

Menendez himself chose not to testify in his defense, expressing confidence that his lawyers would deliver a compelling argument and secure a not guilty verdict. Prosecutors alleged that Menendez had promised to utilize his power to assist Egypt and interfere with the federal prosecution of businessman Fred Daibes, as well as support a Senate resolution favoring the government of Qatar.

The trial also revealed that Menendez's wife, Nadine, has been charged in connection with the case; however, her trial will take place separately in August due to her ongoing battle with Grade 3 breast cancer.

Having served as a senator for New Jersey since 2006, Menendez is the first sitting member of Congress to be charged with conspiring as a public official to act as a foreign agent. Despite the conviction, he recently filed a petition to be included on the U.S. Senate ballot in New Jersey as an independent candidate, demonstrating his refusal to resign from his position.

This high-profile case will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the political landscape, prompting discussions on ethical conduct and the consequences of abusing power within the government.