Former U.S. Senator Bob Menendez has been sentenced to 11 years in prison for accepting bribes, including gold bars and luxury gifts, in exchange for political favors. Prosecutors sought 15 years, but the judge ruled for 11, calling him a "corrupt politician." Menendez plans to appeal and seek a pardon.
Former U.S. Senator Bob Menendez has been sentenced to 11 years in prison for bribery-related charges. The 71-year-old was found guilty of accepting luxury gifts, including gold bars, cash, and a Mercedes-Benz, in exchange for political favors benefiting the Egyptian and Qatari governments.
Prosecutors had pushed for a 15-year sentence, emphasizing the severity of his offenses. During sentencing, Menendez pleaded for leniency, breaking down in tears, but Judge Sidney Stein remained unmoved, calling him a “corrupt politician.” Alongside his prison term, Menendez must forfeit nearly $1 million in illicit gains. He has vowed to appeal and is seeking a pardon.
