Former New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez has been sentenced to 11 years in prison following his conviction on bribery and corruption charges. Last July, a jury found Menendez guilty of accepting lavish gifts—including gold bars, cash, and a Mercedes-Benz—in exchange for aiding foreign governments.
Prosecutors had sought a sentence of at least 15 years, citing the “rare gravity” of Menendez’s actions. His defense team, however, urged for a shorter sentence, suggesting community service as part of the punishment.
Before the sentence was handed down, Judge Sidney Stein criticized Menendez’s actions, stating, “Somewhere along the way, you became, I’m sorry to say, a corrupt politician.” Menendez, visibly emotional, spoke in court, lamenting his losses and asking for mercy. “Other than family, I have lost everything I ever cared about,” he said. “Every day I’m awake is a punishment.”
Menendez’s family, including his son, Democratic Congressman Rob Menendez, and his daughter, MSNBC anchor Alicia Menendez, were present in the courtroom.
Earlier, two of Menendez’s co-conspirators—New Jersey real estate developer Fred Daibes and Egyptian-American businessman Wael Hana—were sentenced to lengthy prison terms. Daibes received seven years and a $1.75 million fine, while Hana was sentenced to over eight years with a $1.25 million fine.
Despite the verdict, Menendez continues to deny wrongdoing and intends to appeal. The former senator, once a powerful chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, resigned from his position in August after his conviction. His legal team argued that the gifts did not constitute bribes and that the prosecution failed to prove Menendez took specific actions in exchange for the gifts.
The case also involves charges against Menendez’s wife, Nadine, who has been accused of facilitating the bribery scheme. Her trial, delayed due to health reasons, is set to begin in March. (PHOTO: Getty Images)