Jury deliberations begin after closing arguments conclude in Menendez bribery trial

Jury deliberations were underway on Friday afternoon in the bribery trial of Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J. as the 9-week trial continues.

Menendez has been charged with 16 felony counts including obstruction of justice, bribery, extortion, wire fraud and acting as a foreign agent.

His wife, Nadine, was also charged for allegedly participating in a "bribery scheme."

As Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairman, he allegedly assisted New Jersey businessmen such as Wael Hana by helping protect their foreign interests in exchange for cash, gold bars, mortgage payments and a Mercedes-Benz.

Menendez was allegedly providing help to real estate developer Fred Daibes secure an investment deal in Qatar, prosecutors said. 

He has pleaded not guilty.