Bob Menendez Convicted on Corruption Charges

U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) has been found guilty on all 16 counts of corruption in his federal trial.

The charges include bribery and conspiracy, and stem from allegations that Menendez accepted cash, gold bars, and other gifts from a wealthy Florida eye doctor in exchange for using his political influence to benefit the doctor's business interests.

Menendez, a 70-year-old New Jersey Democrat, has denied the charges and plans to appeal the verdict. He has been in office since 2006 and is one of the most powerful Democrats in the Senate, serving on the Foreign Relations Committee and the Committee on Finance.

The conviction is a major setback for Menendez, who has built a 50-year career as one of New Jersey's most respected and powerful Democrats. He is also a close ally of former President Barack Obama.

The trial lasted three months and included testimony from dozens of witnesses. The jury deliberated for five days before reaching a verdict.

The conviction is a major victory for the prosecution, which was led by U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey Craig Carpenito. Carpenito said in a statement that the verdict "sends a clear message that no one is above the law."