Former Senator Menendez Sentenced to 11 Years in Prison for Bribery
Robert Menendez, the former US Senator from New Jersey, was sentenced to 11 years in prison on Wednesday for his role in a bribery scheme involving gold bars and other illicit exchanges for political favors, particularly on behalf of the Egyptian government, Al Jazeera reports.
The sentencing concludes a dramatic fall from grace for the once-powerful figure in American politics.
In an emotional address to the Manhattan federal court, Menendez expressed remorse, saying he had “lost everything I loved” as a result of the corruption charges, with the exception of his wife’s support.
“For someone who spent his entire life in public service, every day I’m awake is a punishment,” the former Democrat senator said.
Menendez, who previously chaired the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, was known for his hawkish foreign policy stances, notably breaking with his party to oppose the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. However, his career took a dramatic turn in July 2024 when he was convicted of acting as a foreign agent for Egypt and trading his influence for cash, gold, and a Mercedes-Benz vehicle.
During the trial, prosecutors presented evidence showing Menendez had accepted bribes in exchange for his political influence. In a January 9 filing, prosecutors emphasized that “Menendez, who swore an oath to represent the United States and the State of New Jersey, instead put his high office up for sale in exchange for this hoard of bribes.” They had initially sought a 15-year prison sentence.
Menendez had appealed to the court for leniency, citing his long record of public service. Despite this plea, he was ultimately sentenced to 11 years after his conviction on 16 felony corruption charges. He resigned from the Senate in August amid the escalating scandal.
The sentencing also involved Menendez’s co-defendants. Earlier on Wednesday, New Jersey businessmen Fred Daibes and Wael Hana, who were implicated in the bribery scheme, received sentences of seven years and more than eight years in prison, respectively.
The legal proceedings are not yet over, as a corruption trial for Menendez’s wife, Nadine, is scheduled to begin on March 18. She is also accused of participating in the bribery scheme.
