Dramatic new evidence emerges as the corruption trial of New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez resumes, with federal prosecutors focusing on his alleged involvement in a bribery scheme connected to Egypt. Among the revelations are photos taken during an FBI raid in June 2022, showing significant amounts of cash and gold bars stashed in various locations within his New Jersey home.
During the court proceedings, prosecutors presented photos displaying approximately $600,000 in cash and numerous gold bars found at Menendez’s residence. Notably, some of the cash was hidden inside an old Timberland boot, and gold bars, both scratched and packaged in clear plastic, were discovered. This visual evidence underscores the allegations of bribery and corruption facing the veteran senator.
Prosecutors are zeroing in on Menendez’s role as the Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, alleging that he used his position to assist a New Jersey businessman in securing a monopoly deal with Egypt. This deal, they claim, was facilitated through bribes, including the cash and gold bars found at his home. Menendez allegedly employed his wife, Nadine, as an intermediary in these illicit activities.
Testimony continues to delve into Menendez’s alleged misuse of military aid to Egypt, leveraging it to benefit the New Jersey businessman. During the FBI’s search of Menendez’s Englewood Cliffs home, agents found a duffle bag containing $100,000 in the basement, additional bags with thousands more, and further cash hidden in boxes, shoes, and closets. The defense argues that the gold bars were stored in Nadine Menendez’s locked closet, to which only she had access.
At the trial’s opening, Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Pomerantz labeled Menendez as corrupt, claiming he exchanged political favors for bribes of gold bars, cash, and other valuables since 2018. Pomerantz also implicated Nadine Menendez, asserting that the scheme began around the time she and the senator started dating. Menendez’s lawyer countered these accusations, stating the prosecutors were “dead wrong” and that Menendez’s interactions with Egypt and Qatar were lawful and appropriate.
Senator Menendez, who maintains his innocence, faces charges of bribery, fraud, extortion, obstruction of justice, and acting as a foreign agent of Egypt. His wife, also charged in the case, has her trial delayed until at least July due to a medical condition requiring surgery. Both have pleaded not guilty.
The prosecution continues to present its case, aiming to prove that Menendez accepted over $480,000 in bribes and political favors, which purportedly benefitted the governments of Egypt and Qatar. Menendez’s defense insists that the charges are exaggerated and that his actions were within legal bounds.
