Former New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez (D) has been sentenced to 11 years in prison following his bribery and corruption conviction.
Menendez, who served as New Jersey’s Senator from 2006 to 2024, accepted nearly $500,000 in cash, a luxury vehicle, home furnishings, and gold bars from the Egyptian government.
Former Senator Menendez was also subjected to a $1 Million forfeiture of his assets.
Menendez was found guilty of 18 different corruption and bribery charges last summer, which could have amounted to life in prison.
The Department of Justice’s (DOJ) US Attorney Danielle R. Sassoon commended the case’s outcome.
“Robert Menendez was trusted to represent the United States and the State of New Jersey, but instead he used his position to help his co-conspirators and a foreign government, in exchange for bribes like cash, gold, and a luxury car,” said Attorney Sassoon.
Born in New Jersey to Cuban immigrants, Menendez begun his political career at the Union City education board in 1978.
Subsequently, Menendez filled mayorial, general assembly, and US House of Representatives roles until being appointed to the US Senate by former NJ Governor Jon Corzine in 2006.
Menendez’s case is the first time in US history that an individual has been sentenced for bribery and corruption while serving in public office.
“The sentences imposed today send a clear message that attempts at any level of government to corrupt the nation’s foreign policy and the rule of law will be met with just punishment,” continued Sassoon.
In tears, Menendez reportedly pled for mercy during his sentencing hearing, requesting presiding judge Sidney H. Stein consider his extensive public sector career when issuing his sentence.
“I have made more than my share of mistakes and bad decisions, but I believe in my half-century of public service I have done far more good than bad,” said Menendez.
Notwithstanding Menendez’s pleas, Judge Stein claimed public bribery and corruption could not go unpunished.
“The public cannot be led to believe that you can get away with bribery and fraud and betraying the voters of New Jersey,” said Stein.
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