Menendez Found Guilty on All Counts
Outcome Prompts Resignation Calls
By Sahil Kapur, Kate Santaliz, and Frank Thorp V
WEB July 16, 2024, 1:36 PM PDT Top United States Senator Bob Menendez has been found guilty of all 16 criminal counts he faced in a widely-watched federal corruption trial. The outcome has prompted a chorus of Democrats to call on Menendez to resign, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. The jury deliberated for three days before reaching its verdict. Menendez was accused of accepting bribes and gifts from a wealthy donor in exchange for political favors. The charges included bribery, conspiracy, and making false statements to federal agents. Menendez has denied any wrongdoing and said he will appeal the verdict. He has not yet resigned from the Senate. If Menendez does resign, it would trigger a special election to fill his seat. Democrats are hoping to hold onto the seat, but Republicans are expected to mount a strong challenge. The trial has been closely watched by political observers, as it could have implications for the upcoming presidential election. Menendez is a close ally of former Vice President Joe Biden, who is considered a frontrunner for the Democratic nomination. The verdict could also damage the Democratic Party's reputation. Menendez is the third Democratic senator to be convicted of corruption charges in recent years. The other two senators, Rod Blagojevich of Illinois and Ted Stevens of Alaska, were both convicted and removed from office.
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