Nadine Menendez, wife of former U.S. Senator Bob Menendez, was convicted Monday on all counts in a sweeping bribery and corruption case that federal prosecutors described as a scheme to monetize her husband's political power through cash, gold bars, and a luxury vehicle.
The verdict was delivered by a Manhattan federal jury after a three-week trial that featured evidence of lavish gifts exchanged for favors with New Jersey businessmen and foreign governments. Nadine Menendez, 58, showed no visible reaction in court as the jury foreman read the guilty verdicts. Her sentencing is scheduled for June 12.
Prosecutors argued Nadine Menendez acted as the intermediary between Senator Menendez and three businessmen - Wael Hana, Jose Uribe, and Fred Daibes - who sought the senator's help with legal troubles or business interests in exchange for bribes. "The defendant helped Robert Menendez put his power up for grabs," said Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Monteleoni in closing arguments.
FBI agents who raided the couple's Englewood Cliffs, N.J. home in 2022 found more than $480,000 in cash stashed in envelopes, boots, and clothing, along with $150,000 in gold bars and a Mercedes-Benz convertible, which prosecutors linked directly to the bribery scheme. The jury also saw text messages, including one from Nadine to her husband: "Congratulations mon amour de la vie, we are the proud owners of a 2019 Mercedes."
Prosecutors said Uribe provided the car in exchange for the senator's assistance in pressuring New Jersey law enforcement to drop an investigation into Uribe's associates. In another alleged quid pro quo, Daibes provided gold and cash in return for Menendez's help with a criminal case and a $95 million Qatari investment. Hana, described as a longtime friend of Nadine's, provided financial assistance that helped her avoid foreclosure, while Menendez worked to preserve Hana's monopoly over halal meat certifications with Egypt.
Nadine Menendez was accused of facilitating the bribes and serving as the couple's liaison with Egyptian officials. At one point, she was quoted telling an Egyptian contact during a 2019 dinner: "What else can the love of my life do for you?"
Bob Menendez, 71, was convicted on related charges last year and sentenced to 11 years in prison. He is expected to report to prison on June 6. Nadine's trial had been delayed due to a breast cancer diagnosis and surgery. Her husband did not attend the trial in person, despite receiving a sentencing delay to support her.
The charges included bribery, conspiracy, obstruction of justice, and acting as an agent of a foreign government. Prosecutors alleged that Menendez helped draft a letter for Egyptian officials to influence his Senate colleagues in support of $300 million in U.S. military aid.
All three businessmen were convicted. Hana was sentenced to eight years and Daibes to seven. Uribe, who testified for the prosecution, is awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty.
Nadine Menendez's attorney, Barry Coburn, argued that prosecutors failed to prove she acted with the required criminal intent. "These things we're talking about here are unproven," he told the jury. The jury disagreed.
