In a stunning turn of events, defense lawyer Adam Fee revealed in his closing argument that the cash and gold seized from Bob Menendez were not the proceeds of bribes as prosecutors allege. Despite facing 16 criminal charges including bribery, fraud, acting as a foreign agent, and obstruction, Fee argued that Menendez's actions were lawful, normal, and in the best interest of his constituents and the country.
Throughout the eight-week trial, Menendez's lawyers have painted a picture of a man who was unaware of his wife Nadine Menendez's financial dealings, placing blame on her and portraying his actions as normal legislative activity. However, prosecutors claim that Menendez used his wife as a go-between in corrupt dealings with businessmen who bribed him.
Regardless of the trial's outcome, the case has likely ended Menendez's Senate career. The three-term senator resigned as chair of the Senate's influential foreign relations committee and filed to run for re-election as an independent, although he is considered a long shot. Prosecutors allege that Menendez sought to pressure officials to stop investigations into businessmen who had bribed him, using his power and influence for personal gain.
Uribe pleaded guilty to bribery for buying Nadine Menendez a $60,000 Mercedes-Benz and testified against Bob Menendez, while other businessmen involved have pleaded not guilty to corruption charges. The trial has shed light on the inner workings of political corruption and the lengths to which some will go to maintain power and wealth.