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New York City — Nadine Menendez, the wife of former New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez, was found guilty on all 15 counts in her federal bribery trial on Monday, concluding her role in a far-reaching corruption scheme that spanned several years.
A jury delivered the verdict in a Manhattan courtroom, where Menendez, 58, sat quietly wearing a face mask and showed no visible reaction as the guilty verdicts were read. Her sentencing is scheduled for June 12.
Both Nadine and her husband, who recently resigned from the U.S. Senate after his own conviction, were accused of accepting hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes in exchange for political favors. Prosecutors said the couple conspired to benefit the Egyptian government and enrich themselves through a series of illegal exchanges.
Bob Menendez was previously sentenced to 11 years in prison for his involvement and is expected to report to authorities by June 6. He has vowed to appeal.
In a statement following the verdict, Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky condemned the couple’s actions:
“Nadine Menendez and Senator Menendez were partners in crime. Over five years, she accepted bribes—ranging from gold bars and cash to a Mercedes convertible and a no-show job—in return for the Senator’s corrupt influence. Today’s verdict makes it clear: public office is not for sale.”
Standing outside the courthouse, Nadine’s attorney Barry Coburn expressed disappointment with the outcome:
“I am devastated by the verdict. We fought hard, and it hurts. This is a very rough day for us, but this case is far from over. We look forward to the next steps.”
Nadine Menendez declined to speak or take questions following the verdict.
Though Bob Menendez was not present during his wife’s trial, her legal team had included him on their list of potential witnesses. He ultimately was not called to testify. His surrender date was postponed so he could be available to support her throughout the proceedings.
The Case Against Nadine Menendez
Prosecutors painted Nadine as an active participant in the bribery operation, telling jurors during opening arguments that she “did the dirty work” and served as the intermediary between her husband and three New Jersey businessmen. The government alleged the couple provided confidential information to Egyptian officials and helped manipulate U.S. policy in exchange for bribes.
One of the key witnesses, Jose Uribe, testified under a plea deal that he purchased a Mercedes-Benz for Nadine in exchange for the senator’s efforts to interfere with state criminal cases involving Uribe’s associate.
Other bribes included $100,000 in gold bars, mortgage payments, and a lucrative no-show job. During his own 2024 trial, Bob Menendez claimed the gold bars were owned by his wife, not him.
The FBI uncovered over $480,000 in cash hidden throughout the couple’s home, in closets and clothing, as well as $70,000 stored in Nadine’s safe deposit box.
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