Jury selection began on Monday for the trial of U.S. Senator Bob Menendez of New Jersey, who faces charges of bribery and corruption. The trial is taking place in a Manhattan federal court. Alongside Menendez, New Jersey businessmen Fred Daibes and Wael Hana are also on trial, with all three pleading not guilty.
The charges against Menendez include accepting bribes in the form of cash, gold bars, and other expensive items in exchange for political favors to benefit the governments of Egypt and Qatar. Menendez, who has served in the Senate since 2006 and was the chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, faces a total of 16 felony charges, including bribery, extortion, and acting as a foreign agent.
If convicted, Menendez could potentially face a lifetime in prison. His wife, Nadine Menendez, is also charged but will stand trial separately starting no earlier than July.
A third businessman involved, Jose Uribe, has pleaded guilty and agreed to testify against Menendez and the other defendants. The allegations suggest that Menendez attempted to facilitate investments and policy decisions favoring these businessmen and their associated countries in return for the bribes.
Authorities have seized substantial evidence including $100,000 in gold bars and over $480,000 in cash. The outcomes of this trial could significantly impact Menendez's political career, as he has already announced he will not seek re-election but has hinted at continuing his political career as an independent candidate after the trial.