Former U.S. Senator Bob Menendez has been sentenced to 11 years in prison for accepting gold bars, a Mercedes convertible, and $500,000 in cash in exchange for advancing the interests of Egypt and Qatar.
The 71-year-old New Jersey Democrat previously served as the chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. This sentencing marks the conclusion of a lengthy legal battle that led to Menendez’s resignation from his Senate position last year, earning him the nickname “Gold Bar Bob.”
U.S. Attorney for Manhattan, Danielle Sassoon, stated that the sentence is a result of a severe abuse of power within the federal government’s legislative branch. Menendez was supposed to represent the U.S. and New Jersey, but instead, he exploited his position to assist co-conspirators and a foreign government in exchange for bribes in the form of cash, gold, and a luxury vehicle.
Menendez faced convictions for conspiracy to commit bribery, obstruction of justice, and acting as an agent of a foreign government, among other charges. During the court proceedings, he pleaded for leniency, highlighting his decades of public service. Outside the courtroom, he claimed innocence and described himself as a victim of politically motivated actions against him.
The case was initiated following FBI investigations in 2022 that uncovered over $480,000 in cash hidden in closets and clothing, along with gold bars and the luxury car at Menendez’s residence.
In return for these valuables, Menendez agreed to leverage his authority as a senator to safeguard interests for Egypt and Qatar. He attempted to pressure a U.S. official to protect a business monopoly awarded by Egypt to a longtime acquaintance of his wife. Additionally, he authored a letter on behalf of Cairo to several Senators advocating for the release of $300 million in aid to the North African nation.
Menendez also recommended a nominee for U.S. Attorney for New Jersey, believing this individual could help thwart a federal case against a real estate developer who had been a significant contributor to his campaign.
On the same day, the friend connected to Menendez’s wife and the donor involved in the scheme received sentences of over eight and seven years in prison, respectively.
photo credit: www.ft.com
