New Jersey Man Admits Guilt, Will Testify Against Senator Menendez
A New Jersey businessman admitted guilt on Friday in an attempt to bribe U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., after reaching a cooperation agreement with prosecutors.
Jose Uribe pleaded guilty in a federal court in Manhattan to seven charges, including conspiracy to commit bribery, honest services wire fraud, obstruction of justice, and tax evasion. Prosecutors claim he gifted Menendez’s wife a Mercedes-Benz.
According to a plea deal, Uribe could potentially face up to 95 years in prison, but he may receive leniency by cooperating and giving testimony against other defendants, a step he has agreed to take.
Uribe was one of three businessmen indicted in the corruption case involving Menendez and his wife, which came to light last autumn. Authorities allege that Menendez and his wife received bribes in cash, gold bars, and a luxury car in exchange for using their influence in foreign affairs.
The defendants have entered not guilty pleas.
Uribe was charged with providing Menendez’s wife with a Mercedes-Benz convertible after the senator intervened with a government official in a separate case involving an associate of Uribe.
The trial for the senator, his wife, and two other businessmen is scheduled for May.
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