Bob Menendez Guilty on All 16 Counts in Corruption Trial

Democrats Call for Senator's Resignation

By Sahil Kapur, Kate Santaliz, and Frank Thorp V | July 16, 2024, 1:36 PM PDT

WASHINGTON - Democrats are turning up the heat on Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ) after a jury found him guilty on all 16 criminal counts in a widely-watched bribery trial.

The trial's outcome prompted a chorus of Democrats to call on Menendez to resign, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. In a statement, Schumer said, "The trial has made it clear that Senator Menendez has engaged in serious misconduct that is incompatible with serving in the United States Senate. I urge him to resign immediately."

Menendez, who has denied any wrongdoing, has yet to comment on the verdict.

The guilty verdict is a major blow to Menendez, who is a powerful figure in the Democratic Party and has served in the Senate since 2006. He is also the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

The charges against Menendez stemmed from a seven-year investigation into his relationship with Salomon Melgen, a wealthy Florida eye doctor. Prosecutors alleged that Menendez accepted bribes from Melgen, including luxury trips and campaign contributions, in exchange for using his official position to benefit Melgen's business interests.

The trial lasted for seven weeks and featured testimony from dozens of witnesses, including Melgen himself. The jury deliberated for 11 days before reaching a verdict.

The verdict is a major victory for the Department of Justice, which has been investigating Menendez for years. It is also a sign that the government is willing to take on high-ranking politicians who are accused of corruption.