Breaking News: Senator Bob Menendez Found Guilty on All Counts in Corruption Trial

Jury Convicts Senator of Bribery, Conspiracy, and Other Charges

Senator Bob Menendez was found guilty on all 16 counts of bribery, conspiracy, and other charges on Tuesday. The New Jersey Democrat was convicted after a three-week trial in Newark, New Jersey.

The charges against Menendez stem from a long-running investigation into his relationship with a wealthy Florida eye doctor, Salomon Melgen. Prosecutors alleged that Menendez accepted bribes from Melgen in the form of campaign donations, flights on a private jet, and other gifts, in exchange for official favors, including advocating for Melgen's business interests in the Dominican Republic.

Menendez has denied any wrongdoing, and his lawyers argued that he was a victim of political persecution. However, the jury found him guilty on all counts, including one count of conspiracy to commit bribery, one count of bribery, three counts of honest services wire fraud, one count of attempted extortion, and eight counts of falsifying records to obstruct justice.

The verdict is a major blow to Menendez, who has served in the Senate since 2006. He is now facing calls for his resignation, and could face a lengthy prison sentence.