Former Senator Bob Menendez Sentenced to 11 Years for Bribery Scheme Involving Gold Bars
Prosecutors had recommended a 15-year sentence, which Menendez's lawyers described as "cruel" for the 71-year-old Democrat.
NEW YORK — Former U.S. Senator Bob Menendez was sentenced to 11 years in prison on Wednesday for his involvement in a years-long bribery and corruption scheme that saw him accept bribes, including gold bars and cash, in exchange for political favors.
Menendez, 71, who served as a Democratic senator from New Jersey for nearly three decades, broke down in tears during the sentencing hearing, pleading for mercy from U.S. District Judge Sidney Stein. He spoke of his lifelong dedication to public service and expressed regret for the personal toll the case had taken on his life.
"I have lost everything," Menendez said, tearfully recounting his past work in the Senate. "Every day I am awake is a punishment."
However, Judge Stein remained unmoved by the emotional plea, stating that despite Menendez's positive contributions, the evidence against him was overwhelming and that he had failed his constituents. "Somewhere along the way you became, I'm sorry to say, a corrupt politician," Stein remarked before issuing the sentence. The judge also ordered the forfeiture of Menendez's ill-gotten gains, which amounted to $992,188.10.
While the prosecutors had recommended a 15-year sentence, Menendez's defense team argued that such a lengthy term would be a "life and death sentence" for the 71-year-old. His attorneys had also requested a lesser sentence, suggesting that Menendez serve eight years in a minimum-security facility.
The court heard that Menendez had been convicted in July on charges of extortion, conspiracy, obstruction of justice, and acting as a foreign agent. The charges stemmed from allegations that Menendez accepted bribes from businessmen in exchange for political favors benefiting the governments of Egypt and Qatar. Among the bribes were cash payments, gold bars, and other gifts, including a Mercedes-Benz given to Menendez's wife, Nadine.
During the trial, the prosecution argued that Menendez's conduct was among the most serious offenses ever committed by a U.S. Senator. The bribes were reportedly worth over $480,000 in cash and additional valuable gifts, which were found by the FBI during a search of Menendez's New Jersey home in 2022.
Menendez's co-defendants, including businessmen Wael Hana and Fred Daibes, were also sentenced on Wednesday. Daibes received 84 months in prison, while Hana was sentenced to 97 months. Both men were fined millions of dollars for their roles in the bribery scheme.
Menendez has vowed to appeal his conviction and is seeking a pardon from President Donald Trump, after failing to secure one from President Joe Biden. Following the sentencing, Menendez claimed he was the victim of a "political witch hunt" and criticized the judicial process.
"President Trump was right," Menendez said. "This process is political, and it's corrupt to the core."
The case marks the second corruption trial Menendez has faced during his career. In 2017, a previous corruption trial ended in a hung jury, and the Justice Department dropped the charges. However, the current conviction stems from a separate bribery scheme that emerged after a Senate Ethics Committee investigation found that Menendez had accepted gifts from a Florida doctor, resulting in a rare public admonishment in 2018.
Menendez's sentencing also comes amid ongoing legal battles involving his wife, Nadine Menendez, who faces trial in March after undergoing cancer treatments.