Wife of Former Senator Menendez Convicted in Bribery Scheme

NEW YORK — Nadine Arslanian Menendez, the wife of former U.S. Senator Bob Menendez, was found guilty Monday in federal court of participating in a bribery scheme involving cash, gold bars, and a Mercedes-Benz in exchange for political favors. The verdict comes just weeks before her husband is set to begin serving an 11-year prison term for similar charges.

Arslanian Menendez, 58, was convicted on all 15 counts against her by a jury in lower Manhattan, which concluded its deliberations after a three-week trial. U.S. District Judge Sidney Stein has scheduled her sentencing for June 12, six days after Bob Menendez’s expected prison report date.

The indictment, which was first unsealed in September 2023, accused both Menendez and her husband, along with three New Jersey businessmen—Wael Hana, Fred Daibes, and Jose Uribe—of operating a multi-faceted bribery scheme. Prosecutors alleged that the couple received extensive illicit gifts including hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash and a luxury vehicle in exchange for political influence that benefited foreign governments.

Federal agents raided their home in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, in 2022, discovering approximately $150,000 in gold bars and nearly $480,000 in cash hidden in boots, jackets, and shoeboxes. The Mercedes-Benz convertible was parked in their garage as part of the alleged bribery.

The unraveling of this case traces back to the couple’s relationship that began in early 2018 and intensified as criminal charges loomed. Nadine Menendez was in financial peril before they married, risking foreclosure on her home due to missed mortgage payments, which prosecutors claim led to her involvement in the bribery scheme.

During the trial, Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Richenthal characterized the couple as “partners in crime,” asserting that Arslanian Menendez played an essential role by facilitating communications between her husband and corrupt businessmen.

Bob Menendez, 71, resigned from the Senate in August 2023 following his conviction on 16 counts of bribery, extortion, and obstruction of justice. The prosecution contended that he leveraged his political power to aid various businessmen, including securing a $95 million investment for a real estate developer from a Qatari fund.

Defense attorney Barry Coburn argued that evidence presented during the trial was insufficient for a conviction, asserting, “These things we’re talking about here are unproven,” and contending that the senator’s actions were simply standard political behavior.

The jury was not swayed, however, and proceeded to deliver a unanimous guilty verdict against Nadine Menendez, affirming the charges filed by federal prosecutors.

In addition to her role in the bribery scheme, the trial highlighted instances where both Menendez and her husband allegedly intervened in criminal cases and provided favors to benefit businesses tied to their accused conspirators.

Nadine Menendez’s sentencing is anticipated as the couple maintains their claims of innocence. Uribe, who provided her with the Mercedes-Benz, pleaded guilty to charges and testified against the Menendezes and their co-conspirators.