A US court has sentenced former Senator Bob Menendez to 11 years in prison after convicting him of corruption. Investigators found gold bars and nearly half a million dollars in cash hidden in his home, leading to charges of bribery, extortion, and obstruction of justice.
The 71-year-old former Democratic senator from New Jersey, who once chaired the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, was found guilty of accepting bribes from businessmen with links to Egypt and Qatar.
“Somewhere along the way… you lost your way,” said District Judge Sidney Stein while delivering the sentence. “Working for the public good became working for your good.”
Menendez, who stepped down as a senator in August 2024, pleaded for mercy before the sentencing. “I am going to ask you for mercy—not for me, but for Anthony,” he said, referring to his son, who has autism. However, his plea did not sway the judge.
His lawyer, Adam Fee, argued that despite his years of public service, Menendez is now known as “‘gold bar Bob.’”
The case against Menendez gained national attention after FBI agents raided his New Jersey home. They discovered nearly $500,000 in cash, some stuffed in envelopes and hidden in clothing, along with gold bars worth approximately $150,000 and a luxury Mercedes-Benz.
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Prosecutors accused Menendez of using his position to benefit businessmen and foreign governments. They alleged that he interfered in the appointment of a federal prosecutor in New Jersey to protect his associates from legal troubles.
The court also found that he helped Egyptian-American businessman Wael Hana maintain a monopoly on US halal food exports to Egypt. Hana and another businessman, real estate developer Fred Daibes, were convicted alongside Menendez and sentenced to prison. A third businessman, insurance broker Jose Uribe, pleaded guilty in March and cooperated with investigators.
“The sentences imposed today result from an egregious abuse of power at the highest levels,” said prosecutor Danielle Sassoon.
After the ruling, Menendez insisted he was innocent and vowed to appeal. He described his prosecution as a “witch hunt” and claimed it was politically motivated.
“President Trump is right. This process is political, and it’s corrupted to the core,” Menendez said. “I hope President Trump cleans up the cesspool and restores integrity to the system.”
Despite his conviction, Menendez was not immediately taken into custody. Meanwhile, his wife, Nadine Menendez, who was also charged in the case, is awaiting trial as she undergoes treatment for breast cancer.
Menendez’s conviction marks a stunning downfall for a once-powerful lawmaker. Known for his influence on foreign policy, he had served in the US Senate since 2006. Supporters described him as a dedicated public servant, with one acquaintance, author Donald Scarinci, stating, “Bob inspired many people, including me, with hope that it is possible to change the world.”
However, the court ruled that he had abused his power for personal gain. Prosecutors had sought a 15-year sentence, while his defense team argued for no more than eight years.