Bob Menendez Sentenced To 11 Years In Prison For Corruption And Bribery

Former Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ) received an 11-year prison sentence Wednesday for his role in a bribery scheme that involved accepting gold bars, cash, and other lavish gifts in exchange for using his political influence to benefit foreign interests. The sentencing, delivered in a New York courtroom, marks the most severe punishment ever given to a sitting U.S. senator for corruption.
Menendez, who once chaired the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, was found guilty last summer on 16 felony counts, including conspiracy to commit bribery, acting as a foreign agent, and obstruction of justice. Federal prosecutors said he accepted bribes from three businessmen to assist their dealings with Egypt and Qatar.
BREAKING: Sen. Bob Menendez sentenced to 11 years in prison for bribery. pic.twitter.com/5ZEDikqpNi
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) January 29, 2025
Judge Sidney Stein acknowledged Menendez’s decades in public office but said his crimes represented a “stunning abuse of power.” In a tearful plea before sentencing, Menendez insisted he had done more good than harm and claimed he was being unfairly punished. His defense had requested an eight-year sentence, but prosecutors pushed for 15 years, arguing the severity of his actions warranted a harsh penalty.
Democratic Senator Bob Menendez after his sentencing:
“This process is political, and it’s corrupted… I hope President Trump cleans up the cesspool and restores the integrity to the system.”
He’s only saying this because he wants a pardon.
— Ian Jaeger (@IanJaeger29) January 29, 2025
Two of Menendez’s co-conspirators, Wael Hana and Fred Daibes, were also sentenced. Hana received eight years for his role in facilitating deals with Egypt, while Daibes was sentenced to seven years after being convicted of bank fraud and bribery. A third businessman cooperated with prosecutors in exchange for leniency.
Menendez’s wife, Nadine, was also charged in the case but has yet to stand trial due to health-related delays. Prosecutors allege she played a key role in securing luxury gifts for her husband, including a Mercedes-Benz.
A judge just sentenced NJ developer Fred Daibes to 7 years in prison for bribing former Democratic Senator Bob Menendez.
I've reported on Daibes' corruption before.
Here I confront politicians he allegedly bribed: pic.twitter.com/AA9BtyAQbQ
— John Stossel (@JohnStossel) January 29, 2025
Menendez, who had denied wrongdoing throughout the trial, addressed reporters outside the courthouse after sentencing, calling the case a “political witch hunt” and aligning himself with President Donald Trump’s recent criticisms of the justice system.