Wife of ex-senator Nadine Menendez found guilty in husband's bribery case

Nadine Menendez, 58, was found guilty on all 15 counts, including bribery and obstruction of justice, for helping her husband, ex-Sen Robert Menendez, who received lavish gifts in exchange for political favors.

She was indicted with her husband in September 2023 but had her trial delayed for breast cancer treatments.

A sentencing date for Menendez has been set for June 12. Her husband was convicted in July 2024 and sentenced to 11 years in prison.

In a statement, the US attorney's office for the Southern District of New York said the couple were "partners in crime" who participated in "corrupt official acts".

"Today's verdict sends the clear message that the power of government officials may not be put up for sale," the statement said.

During the trial, prosecutors argued that Menendez was an indispensable part of her husband's bribery scheme, telling the jury it was she who often accepted the cash and other gifts on behalf of the former senator.

Her husband, at the time, was the top-ranking Democrat on the powerful Senate Foreign Relations Committee for more than five years, a position that gave him significant influence over US foreign policy.