NEW YORK (Diya TV) — Former U.S. Senator Bob Menendez was sentenced Wednesday to 11 years in prison after being convicted on bribery and corruption charges. Menendez, a Democrat from New Jersey, was found guilty of accepting gold, cash, and other gifts in exchange for using his political influence to benefit several businessmen and Egypt.
The verdict came after an emotional address by Menendez himself, sobbing and telling the public he had lost everything except his family. U.S. District Judge Sidney H. Stein noted that Menendez had once been a powerful figure but lost his way turning from public service to personal gains.
Prosecutors said the former senator received more than $480,000 in cash and gold bars valued at about $150,000 from three businessmen, who also gave him luxury cars and other expensive gifts. In return, Menendez used his position to protect the businessmen and advocate for Egypt, including efforts to secure U.S. military aid for the country.
Immediately after his sentencing, Menendez proclaimed innocence and vowed to appeal, echoing a much-criticized campaign against the judicial system initiated by former President Donald Trump. Convicted this year, it marked a political fall from greatness for the 71-year-old politician who had spent decades serving in Congress.
In addition to Menendez, two of the businessmen involved in the case—Fred Daibes and Wael Hana—were sentenced to seven and eight years in prison, respectively. Menendez’s wife, Nadine, faces a trial on similar charges in March.
