Senator Bob Menendez and Wife Nadine Face Bribery and Corruption Charges in New York Court

New York (AP) – U.S. Senator Bob Menendez arrived at a New York courthouse Wednesday to answer to charges of bribery and corruption. The New Jersey senator and his wife, Nadine Menendez, were each charged with three counts related to a years-long plot in which Menendez allegedly accepted hundreds of thousands of dollars, gold bars, and a Mercedes-Benz convertible in exchange for using his political power to help the Egyptian government and three New Jersey businessmen.

The couple said nothing as they arrived at the lower Manhattan courthouse. Menendez is accused of using his powerful post as a senator to secretly advance Egyptian interests and do favors for New Jersey businessmen.

Despite the charges, Menendez has pledged to remain in his role as the senior senator representing New Jersey. However, he did step down as the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, a role he had held since 2018.

The senator has denied any wrongdoing and his lawyers have said they will fight the charges. Menendez is due back in court on October 7th for a hearing.

The charges against Menendez come as the Justice Department has stepped up its efforts to investigate and prosecute public corruption. If convicted, Menendez could face up to 20 years in prison.