Bob Menendez Guilty on All Counts in Federal Corruption Trial

Jury Convicts New Jersey Democrat of Bribery and Other Charges

Newark, N.J. -- A federal jury has found Senator Bob Menendez guilty on all 16 counts in his corruption trial. The New Jersey Democrat was convicted of bribery, conspiracy, obstruction of justice, and other charges.

The verdict is a major blow to Menendez, a powerful Democrat who has served in the Senate for 12 years. He is the first sitting senator to be convicted of a felony since Ted Stevens in 2008.

The charges against Menendez stem from his relationship with Salomon Melgen, a wealthy Florida eye doctor. Prosecutors alleged that Menendez accepted bribes from Melgen in exchange for political favors, including helping to obtain visas for Melgen's foreign girlfriends.

Menendez has denied the charges, and his attorneys vowed to appeal the verdict. In a statement, Menendez said he was "disappointed" with the verdict but would continue to fight for his constituents.

"Today's verdict is not the end of my fight, but a new beginning," Menendez said. "I will continue to fight for the people of New Jersey, and I will not let this conviction define me or my service to our state."