Democratic Senator Robert Menendez was found guilty of 16 felonies on Tuesday, capping off a political career spanning four decades and ending with a conviction that will most likely land him in prison for years. After the charges were filed, Menendez stepped down from his long standing position as chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, although he refused to resign from Congress.
The New Jersey Senator has remained defiant, refusing to step down. He has filed as an independent for the current election cycle, although he is surely going to lose. Numerous Democrats have called for him to step down prior to his conviction. In the past few hours that drumbeat has gotten even louder.
Menendez was found guilty of all 16 counts, including bribery, extortion, acting as a foreign agent, obstruction of justice and several counts of conspiracy. His wife has also been charged, although her trial has been delayed following a breast cancer diagnosis. The jury only deliberated for 12 hours, which is pretty short considering the complexity of the case and the numerous charges.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called on Menendez to resign, saying: “In light of this guilty verdict, Senator Menendez must now do what is right for his constituents, the Senate, and our country, and resign."
