The corruption case against New Jersey US Senator Bob Menéndez took a significant turn as a co-defendant, José Uribe, pleaded guilty and agreed to cooperate with prosecutors. Uribe, a businessman of Dominican origin, confessed to seven charges, including conspiracy to commit bribery, fraud, and obstruction of justice. It is alleged that he gave the senator’s wife, Nadine, a luxury Mercedes convertible, possibly in exchange for favors from Menéndez.
According to the plea agreement, Uribe has agreed to reveal “all the information” about his activities and those of others involved in the corruption investigation. Menéndez and his wife have denied the accusations of accepting bribes in exchange for protecting and enriching businessmen and benefiting foreign governments such as Egypt and Qatar.
Two other businessmen, Wael Hana and Fred Daibes, who allegedly bribed Menéndez, are also charged in the case and have pleaded not guilty. The senator’s defense team has requested the judge to dismiss the charges and argued that the trial should take place in New Jersey, where the alleged events occurred, rather than in New York.
The development of Uribe’s guilty plea and cooperation could potentially provide prosecutors with crucial evidence against Menéndez in the ongoing corruption case. The Democratic politician is facing serious allegations and is now at risk of more incriminating testimony from his former associate.