CNN reported {that a} U.S. jury discovered Senator Robert Menendez, one of many sponsors of sanctions towards Russia, responsible of 16 counts, together with corruption, bribery and serving two functions. serve the pursuits of Arab nations.
Businessman Jose Uribe agreed to plead responsible and stated he would cooperate with authorities days after he was indicted together with Menéndez, his spouse and two others.
Menendez, for his half, has denied any wrongdoing and accused prosecutors of concentrating on him, saying in a press release that “the federal government will not be glad or unable to pretty face these details at trial and now falsely alleges cover-up and obstruction.”
“This newest indictment says extra concerning the authorities than it does about me,” he added. “It exhibits that prosecutors are afraid of the details, afraid that their fees will probably be topic to neutral assessment by a jury, unfettered by any sense of justice, and can cease at nothing to catch me.”
Sen. Robert Menendez, who’s looking for re-election this yr, and his spouse had been accused final yr of accepting gold bars, money, a Mercedes Benz and different objects in change for measures to assist three businessmen and the governments of Egypt and Qatar.
The brand new fees present extra particulars about Menendez and his spouse’s alleged makes an attempt to cowl up bribery, together with having members of the protection group present deceptive info throughout conferences with prosecutors.
Prosecutors stated the senator had his then-lawyers meet with prosecutors in 2023 to argue that he didn’t know till 2022 {that a} New Jersey businessman had paid for Nadine Menendez’s dwelling or automotive $23,568.
His legal professional additionally advised prosecutors that the cash was a mortgage and {that a} test written by the senator to repay the “mortgage” was given to prosecutors, in keeping with the indictment.
“The truth is, it was clear to Menendez that the cash paid to mortgage and auto firms via 2022 was not a mortgage however a bribe,” the indictment reads.
Prosecutors allege Nadine Menendez additionally pressured her legal professional to make false statements to authorities.
Nadine Menendez met Uribe shortly after Uribe stopped making funds after FBI brokers searched Menendez’s dwelling and issued a subpoena looking for details about automotive funds, prosecutors stated.
Prosecutors stated Nadine Menendez requested Uribe what he would say if authorities requested him concerning the automotive, and Uribe advised her he would say the cash was a mortgage, which she agreed to. sounds good.
