In a shocking development, a disgraced New Jersey businessman has admitted to bribing Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) with a Mercedes-Benz in exchange for Menendez using his official position to obstruct a criminal investigation by the New Jersey’s attorney general’s office. (RELATED: Report: Gold Bars Recovered In Menendez Bribery Case Linked To Violent Robbery)
Jose Uribe pleaded guilty in federal court in New York on Friday to charges of conspiracy to commit bribery, obstruction of justice and tax evasion. The details of the agreement Uribe made with the government are unclear, but his plea could greatly exacerbate Menendez’s legal woes as he vows to fight the charges and retain his Senate seat.
Menendez and his wife, Nadine Arslania, have pleaded not guilty to the charges arrayed against them. (RELATED: United States Senator Bob Menendez Charged With Aiding Middle East Government)
Per CNN:
The development puts more pressure on Sen. Menendez, who has vigorously denied any wrongdoing, and comes just two months before his trial, which is scheduled to start in May.
Uribe waived his indictment and pleaded guilty to seven counts on Friday, according to the court records and a superseding information document filed in the case. Under the plea deal, Uribe has agreed to testify at the trial and cooperate with authorities, according to his deal that was signed on Friday.
Uribe is scheduled to be sentenced on June 14. His attorney, Dan Fetterman, declined to comment.
The two other New Jersey businessmen accused in the alleged corruption scheme have pleaded not guilty.
This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.
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