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Former U.S. Senator Robert Menendez, once a powerful political figure, has been sentenced to 11 years in prison after being found guilty of corruption charges.
The ruling follows the discovery of gold bars and large amounts of cash hidden in his home, exposing a bribery scheme that shook Washington.
Menendez, 71, a Democrat from New Jersey, was convicted in July 2024 on multiple counts, including bribery, obstruction of justice, and fraud. Prosecutors argued that he used his political influence to benefit businessmen linked to Egypt and Qatar in exchange for lavish gifts and financial favors.
During the sentencing on Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Sidney Stein did not hold back in criticizing the former senator, expressing disappointment in how he had betrayed public trust.
“Somewhere along the way, you lost your path,” Judge Stein told Menendez. “Instead of serving the public, you prioritized your own personal gain.”
Once the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Menendez had built a reputation as a key player in U.S. foreign policy.
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However, his career took a dramatic turn when federal investigators uncovered a corruption scheme involving wads of cash stuffed in jackets, gold bars worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, and payments allegedly tied to political favors.
Before the final ruling, Menendez pleaded with the judge for leniency, expressing regret over the situation. He has vowed to appeal the conviction, insisting he was wrongfully accused.
The case has been one of the most sensational political scandals in recent years, raising fresh concerns about ethics in government. Menendez’s fall from grace, from a respected senator to a convicted felon, serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of corruption in public office.
