Nadine Menendez Convicted on All Counts in High-Profile Bribery and Corruption Case

Nadine and Bob Menendez. Nadine will be sentenced just as her husband reports to prison for his 11-year jail sentence

Nadine Menendez, wife of former New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez, was convicted Monday on all 15 counts related to a sprawling bribery and corruption scheme, marking a dramatic fall for the politically connected couple. The jury, composed of 12 New Yorkers, reached a unanimous verdict after two days of deliberations in the Southern District of New York.

The 58-year-old was found guilty of bribery, wire fraud, obstruction of justice, and conspiracy to have her husband act as a foreign agent. Prosecutors presented evidence that she played a pivotal role in brokering illicit exchanges between her husband and three New Jersey businessmen, offering up the senator’s political clout in exchange for lavish bribes including gold bars, cash, jewelry, and a Mercedes-Benz convertible.

Nadine Menendez, the wife of former senator Bob Menendez, was found guilty on 15 charges for her role in a bribery scheme

Throughout the trial, prosecutors described Nadine Menendez as the linchpin of the operation, coordinating communications and ensuring the flow of favors and rewards between all parties. Some of the charges she faces carry maximum prison sentences of up to 20 years each.

Her husband, former Senator Bob Menendez, was also convicted earlier this year for accepting bribes and leveraging his political position to interfere in criminal investigations and to assist officials from Egypt and Qatar in exchange for financial gain. He is set to begin serving an 11-year prison sentence in June.

Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky emphasized the collaborative nature of the couple’s actions, stating, “Nadine Menendez and Senator Menendez were partners in crime. Together, they placed their own interests and greed ahead of the interests of the citizens the Senator was elected to serve.”

Former Democratic U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey, left, and his wife, Nadine Menendez

The couple was originally indicted together in 2023, but Nadine’s trial was postponed due to her undergoing breast cancer treatment. Despite their joint involvement, Bob Menendez attempted to distance himself during the trial by blaming his wife, claiming she kept the bribes hidden from him in her private closet. However, he later took to social media to defend her, publicly appealing to former President Donald Trump for intervention.

In a post, the former senator wrote: “My wife, who had breast cancer reconstructive surgery just days ago, is being forced by the government to go to trial tomorrow. Only the arrogance of the SDNY can be so cruel and inhumane. They should let her fully recover!”

Judge Sidney Stein has scheduled Nadine Menendez’s sentencing for June 12, coinciding with the same month her husband is due to report to prison.