Senator Menendez Found Guilty on Corruption Charges
Breaking News
Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) has been found guilty on multiple corruption charges, including bribery, fraud, and extortion.
After a month-long trial, a federal jury in Newark, New Jersey, convicted Menendez on all seven counts against him. The charges stem from an alleged scheme in which Menendez accepted bribes from a wealthy donor in exchange for favors. Specifically, Menendez is accused of using his position to promote the business interests of Dr. Salomon Melgen, a Florida eye doctor, in exchange for campaign contributions and gifts.
The guilty verdict is a significant blow to Menendez's political career. The veteran senator has served in the Senate since 2006 and is a close ally of President Barack Obama. Menendez has denied the charges and pledged to appeal the verdict.
The conviction of a sitting U.S. senator is a rare occurrence. In recent years, only two other senators have been convicted of crimes while in office: Ted Stevens (R-AK) in 2008 and John Ensign (R-NV) in 2011.
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