A New York jury began its deliberations around 2 p.m. Friday in the bribery trial of Sen. Bob Menendez in New York City after a judge finished reading them instructions on the law.
Over a 9-week trial, federal prosecutors in New York have sought to convince the jury that the New Jersey Democrat and his wife took bribes of gold, cash and a Mercedes-Benz convertible from three businessmen from 2018 to 2023 in exchange for a variety of corrupt acts.
They say some of the bribes were for taking actions that benefited the government of Egypt, including helping it access U.S. military aid. Prosecutors also say Menendez, 70, interfered with multiple criminal investigations and helped a business associate protect a contract awarded by the Egyptian government.
Menendez’s lawyers have argued that the senator did nothing wrong in his dealings with the businessmen and that nearly $150,000 in gold bars and over $480,000 in cash found at …