Robert Menendez, a former US senator from New Jersey, received an 11-year prison sentence on January 30, 2025, for his involvement in bribery schemes, including accepting gold bars in exchange for political favors for the Egyptian government.
During a federal court hearing in Manhattan, Menendez expressed sorrow over the charges, stating he had lost everything except his wife's support. He described his life as a punishment, reflecting on his long career in public service.
Menendez, a Democrat, previously chaired the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and was known for his strong foreign policy stances. He was convicted in July 2024 of acting as a foreign agent, trading influence for cash, gold, and luxury items.
US District Judge Sidney Stein criticized Menendez for losing his way, emphasizing that he had turned from serving the public to serving his own interests. Despite Menendez's pleas for mercy, the judge deemed him a 'corrupt politician.'
Menendez, 71, had a lengthy political career, serving 18 years in the Senate and 13 years in the House of Representatives before resigning amid corruption charges in August 2024. His two co-defendants, Fred Daibes and Wael Hana, received prison sentences of seven and over eight years, respectively. A trial for Menendez's wife, Nadine, is set to begin on March 18, 2025.