Emmanuel OchayiU.S. Senator Bob Menendez defiantly pleaded not guilty on Wednesday to charges of bribery involving three New Jersey businessmen, marking the latest chapter in a long-running legal saga that has sent shockwaves through the political landscape.
As calls for his resignation from fellow Democrats continue to grow, Menendez vowed to fight the allegations.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelFederal prosecutors in Manhattan have accused the 69-year-old senator and his wife of accepting gold bars and substantial sums of cash in exchange for leveraging his influence to assist Egypt’s government and obstruct law enforcement investigations related to the businessmen.
In a courtroom appearance, Menendez entered his plea through his lawyer, Seth Farber, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ona Wang.
According to Reuters, Wang ruled that Menendez could be released on a $100,000 personal recognizance bond, requiring him to surrender his personal passport while retaining his official one for international travel on official business.
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After the hearing, Menendez, dressed in a pin-striped suit, shared a smile with his legal team but remained tight-lipped as he was escorted from the courtroom by U.S. marshals. He and his wife, Nadine Menendez, chose not to respond to reporters’ questions as they departed in a black car.
Nadine Menendez and the businessmen involved—Jose Uribe, 56, and Fred Daibes, 66—also pleaded not guilty. Nadine Menendez secured release on a $250,000 bond, while Uribe and Daibes were granted bonds of $1 million and $2 million, respectively.
A third businessman, Wael Hana, 40, entered a not-guilty plea earlier and was released on a $5 million bond.
The defendants are set to appear before U.S. District Judge Sidney Stein, who will preside over the case, on Monday.
In a significant move, Menendez stepped down from his position as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, complying with his party’s regulations.
However, he made it clear that he intends to remain in the Senate and contest the charges. The senator’s decision has prompted more than half of all U.S. Democratic senators, including New Jersey’s junior senator, Cory Booker, to demand his resignation.
Senator Dick Durbin joined the chorus on Wednesday, expressing his belief that Menendez can no longer effectively serve.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced that Menendez would address Senate Democrats on Thursday, emphasizing the elevated standards expected of senators. Schumer remarked, “For senators, there’s a much, much higher standard. And clearly, when you read the indictment, Senator Menendez fell way, way below that standard.”
With Democrats holding a narrow majority in the Senate, including three independents who typically vote with them, the situation could have significant political implications.
Democratic New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, who would appoint a temporary replacement if Menendez resigns, has also called for his departure.
The indictment includes images of gold bars and cash seized from Menendez’s residence, painting a vivid picture of the alleged misconduct. Prosecutors contend that Wael Hana orchestrated meetings between the senator and Egyptian officials, leveraging his influence to secure military aid in exchange for employing Menendez’s wife in a company under his control.
This marks the third time Menendez has faced an investigation by federal prosecutors, with no prior convictions on record. The senator’s legal battle continues to capture the nation’s attention as it unfolds.
Emmanuel Ochayi is a journalist. He is a graduate of the University of Lagos, School of first choice and the nations pride. Emmanuel is keen on exploring writing angles in different areas, including Business, climate change, politics, Education, and others.
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