A New Jersey businessman admitted on Friday to attempting to bribe US senator Bob Menendez.
Jose Uribe, who agreed to work with prosecutors on a case involving Menendez, pleaded guilty in Manhattan federal court to seven charges, including conspiracy to commit bribery, honest services wire fraud, obstruction of justice, and tax evasion. Prosecutors say that he provided Menendez's spouse with a Mercedes-Benz.
New Jersey Business Man Admits Bribing Bob Menendez
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 27: New Jersey businessman Jose Uribe, 56, leaves a Manhattan court after being indicted on bribery charges in conjunction with Senator Bob Menendez and his wife Nadine Menendez on September 27, 2023 in New York City. Menendez and his wife are accused of taking bribes of gold bars, a luxury car and cash in exchange for using Menendez's position to help the government of Egypt and other corrupt acts according to an indictment from SDNY unsealed on Friday. The indictment is the second in eight years against Menendez. The indictment also includes charges for Wael Hana, Jose Uribe, and Fred Daibes.
During the period of the hearings in the courtroom, Uribe admitted that he had conspired with a number of persons, one of them was Nadine Menendez, to give her a Mercedes-Benz. In exchange for this luxurious car, Uribe attempted to use the influence and authority of her husband, who is a senator in the United States, to obtain favorable outcomes and put an end to inspections linked to his acquaintances.
Uribe publicly admitted that he had attempted to exert influence over the senator through the illegal trade, and he expressed regret for his actions through his statement. It emerged in his confession that he had made hidden funds towards the Mercedes in order to disguise his participation, despite the fact that he was well aware of the illegal aspect of his actions.
According to the conditions of the plea deal, Uribe may possibly face a sentence of up to 95 years in prison (the maximum possible penalty). On the other hand, he has made the decision to collaborate with the police and testify against other suspects in the case, which is a move that has the potential to win him mercy.
In addition, as part of the deal, Uribe has consented to forfeit a total of 246,000 dollars, which is the amount of money that can be linked to his illicit acts, according to AP News.
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Senator and Wife Plead Not Guilty
Senator Menendez and his wife accepted bribes in various forms, including cash, gold bars, and the luxury automobile mentioned earlier, which are central to the corruption case that came to light last fall. The senator is said to have been given these bribes in exchange for his assistance and influence in topics pertaining to international affairs.
Menendez, his wife, and two other businesses have submitted not guilty pleas in response to the allegations of corruption brought against them. These defendants are expected to go on trial in May.
Uribe, one of the businessmen implicated in the corruption case, specifically faced charges related to providing a Mercedes-Benz convertible to Menendez's wife. This transaction allegedly occurred after the senator intervened with a government official on behalf of Uribe's associate in an unrelated case.
Uribe's guilty plea, cooperation, and readiness to testify might potentially have substantial implications for the coming trial of Senator Menendez and his co-defendants. This is because the legal procedures are still unfolding. The case not only provides insight on the alleged bribery plan, but it also shows the possible ramifications that may be faced by those who are involved in corrupt activities at the highest echelons of government, WLBT reported.
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