Bob Menendez found guilty. Here’s what comes next.
When is his sentencing scheduled? Is it possible for him to stay in Congress? As a convicted felon, does he retain the right to vote?
TroibNews 
The conclusion of Senator Bob Menendez's trial, marked by a guilty verdict, represents the culmination of a riveting nine-week legal battle. Despite this outcome, the New Jersey Democrat's journey through both legal and political realms is far from over.
Menendez faced a daunting set of 16 charges revolving around alleged bribery from New Jersey business figures with connections to the governments of Egypt and Qatar. Accusations ranged from bribery and obstruction of justice to honest services fraud, conspiracy to commit extortion under color of official right, and acting as a foreign agent. The senator was found guilty on all counts.
It was asserted by prosecutors that Menendez exploited his political clout to shield these business individuals from criminal scrutiny, covertly assist the Egyptian government, and facilitate a major investment for one of the entities linked to Qatar. Following an FBI raid at Menendez's New Jersey home, investigators discovered an array of gifts including cash, gold, home furnishings, and revealed payments made towards his wife Nadine's mortgage along with the purchase of a Mercedes-Benz convertible.
Judge Sidney Stein, presiding over the case, is set to deliver the sentences for Menendez and the other implicated parties on October 29. Ahead of this, the federal probation office will initiate a thorough presentence inquiry to delve into the personal backgrounds of the defendants. This will be accompanied by submissions from both the prosecution and the defense advocating for their recommended penalties. Subsequently, there is the recourse of appealing the verdict once sentencing is finalized.
While Menendez potentially faces a maximum sentence of up to 222 years for his manifold convictions, legal experts envision a more tempered outcome. Various factors such as federal sentencing guidelines, the nature of the offenses, Menendez's involvement, and his clean prior record will influence the ultimate decision handed down by the judge.
In the realm of politics, Menendez's future remains uncertain. Although he technically could retain his Senate seat even with a felony conviction, the possibility of expulsion looms large. The Senate, under Constitutional provisions, retains the authority to expel members by a two-thirds majority vote, a rare but consequential event historically. For Menendez, continuing his reelection bid as an independent—distinct from his former Democratic affiliation—seems to be his course of action, buoyed by indications of challenging the conviction through the appeals process.
The situation extends further to Menendez's spouse, Nadine Menendez, who faces 15 charges but whose trial has been indefinitely postponed due to ongoing treatment for breast cancer.
Anna Muller contributed to this report for TROIB News
Menendez faced a daunting set of 16 charges revolving around alleged bribery from New Jersey business figures with connections to the governments of Egypt and Qatar. Accusations ranged from bribery and obstruction of justice to honest services fraud, conspiracy to commit extortion under color of official right, and acting as a foreign agent. The senator was found guilty on all counts.
It was asserted by prosecutors that Menendez exploited his political clout to shield these business individuals from criminal scrutiny, covertly assist the Egyptian government, and facilitate a major investment for one of the entities linked to Qatar. Following an FBI raid at Menendez's New Jersey home, investigators discovered an array of gifts including cash, gold, home furnishings, and revealed payments made towards his wife Nadine's mortgage along with the purchase of a Mercedes-Benz convertible.
Judge Sidney Stein, presiding over the case, is set to deliver the sentences for Menendez and the other implicated parties on October 29. Ahead of this, the federal probation office will initiate a thorough presentence inquiry to delve into the personal backgrounds of the defendants. This will be accompanied by submissions from both the prosecution and the defense advocating for their recommended penalties. Subsequently, there is the recourse of appealing the verdict once sentencing is finalized.
While Menendez potentially faces a maximum sentence of up to 222 years for his manifold convictions, legal experts envision a more tempered outcome. Various factors such as federal sentencing guidelines, the nature of the offenses, Menendez's involvement, and his clean prior record will influence the ultimate decision handed down by the judge.
In the realm of politics, Menendez's future remains uncertain. Although he technically could retain his Senate seat even with a felony conviction, the possibility of expulsion looms large. The Senate, under Constitutional provisions, retains the authority to expel members by a two-thirds majority vote, a rare but consequential event historically. For Menendez, continuing his reelection bid as an independent—distinct from his former Democratic affiliation—seems to be his course of action, buoyed by indications of challenging the conviction through the appeals process.
The situation extends further to Menendez's spouse, Nadine Menendez, who faces 15 charges but whose trial has been indefinitely postponed due to ongoing treatment for breast cancer.
Anna Muller contributed to this report for TROIB News
