Part 7/11:
Menendez's legal troubles are multifaceted, involving initial charges, a mistrial in 2013, and a prolonged legal process culminating in his 2024 conviction. During his trials, prosecutors showcased jaw-dropping evidence such as the gold bars and cash, underscoring the tangible proof of corruption. Notably, during court proceedings, Menendez's wife, Nadeen Mendez, also faced charges and was convicted of acting as a foreign agent and bribery.
The defense attempted various narratives, claiming that cultural practices or her health issues, including breast cancer, mitigated her involvement. In a bizarre twist, her defense lawyer once asked a judge, "When can I go visit my husband?" revealing a mixture of theatricality and the seriousness of the charges.