Wife of ex-Senator Bob Menendez convicted in bribery case involving gold, cash, car

Nadine Menendez, wife of former US Senator Bob Menendez, was convicted on Monday for participating in a multi-year bribery scheme that included accepting gold bars, nearly half a million dollars in cash, and a Mercedes-Benz convertible in exchange for political favours.

A Manhattan federal jury found her guilty on all counts after a three-week trial, which detailed how she and her husband allegedly conspired with three New Jersey businessmen seeking help with business ventures and legal issues. The verdict comes months after Bob Menendez himself was convicted on related charges; the 71-year-old Democrat is scheduled to begin his 11-year prison sentence in June.

Nadine Menendez, 58, who remained emotionless as the verdict was read, is due to be sentenced on June 12 — just six days after her husband is expected to report to prison.

Outside the courthouse, her attorney Barry Coburn said, “We fought hard and it hurts. This is a very rough day for us.” He added he was “devastated by the verdict.”

During the trial, prosecutors described the couple as “partners in crime,” alleging that the scheme began in 2018 as their romantic relationship developed. FBI agents discovered $480,000 in cash and $150,000 worth of gold bars during a 2022 raid on their New Jersey home, along with the luxury car allegedly gifted as a bribe.

Prosecutors said Nadine Menendez facilitated bribes in exchange for her husband’s influence, including efforts to halt investigations, maintain business monopolies, and assist in securing foreign investments. She allegedly began soliciting bribes from Wael Hana, Jose Uribe, and Fred Daibes—each of whom received favourable treatment from the senator, including pressuring the New Jersey attorney general and supporting a $95 million investment deal with Qatari officials.

In court, it was revealed that Nadine was facing foreclosure when Hana allegedly gave her cash to cover mortgage payments. Uribe also gifted her a Mercedes-Benz after her previous car was destroyed in a fatal crash (she was not charged in connection with the accident).

Prosecutors said the couple received bribes in return for actions such as ghostwriting a letter for Egyptian officials to sway US lawmakers on military aid. Bob Menendez was also convicted of acting as an unregistered agent for Egypt.

Coburn maintained her innocence during closing arguments, insisting that “These things we’re talking about here are unproven.” He argued that the senator’s dealings amounted to routine constituent services.

But Assistant US Attorney Daniel Richenthal countered, calling the evidence “consistent and overwhelming.”

All three businessmen—Hana, Uribe, and Daibes—were convicted. Uribe testified after pleading guilty, while Hana and Daibes received sentences of eight and seven years respectively.

Acting US Attorney Matthew Podolsky said the outcome “sends the clear message that the power of government officials may not be put up for sale and that all those who facilitate corruption will be held accountable.”