By: Richard L. Smith
A federal jury in Manhattan has found Sen. Bob Menendez guilty on two counts in his federal corruption trial.
The verdict came on the third day of deliberations in the bribery trial of the New Jersey Democrat, who was accused of accepting gold and cash to use his political clout to help three businessmen and the Egyptian government.
Menendez, 70, has maintained his innocence throughout the trial.
He faced 16 counts in a criminal indictment, which included accusations of multiple corrupt acts such as meddling in criminal investigations to protect his associates and helping one deal with U.S. agriculture regulators.
Additionally, he was accused of serving as a foreign agent for Egypt.
The senator was on trial alongside two New Jersey businessmen, both of whom, along with Menendez, pleaded not guilty.
A third businessman pleaded guilty before the trial and testified against Menendez and the other defendants.
The guilty verdict marks a significant development in a high-profile case involving serious allegations of corruption and misuse of political power.