United States: On Wednesday, Senator Bob Menendez faced sentencing due to his 2024 bribery conviction, which involved receiving gold bars and other benefits from Egyptian businessmen and New Jersey interests and resulted in the end of his legislative career, as reported by Reuters.
Manhattan Court to Decide Fate of Former New Jersey Senator
The Senate veteran that served New Jersey for 18-1/2 years was convicted on all 16 felony counts and the charge of acting as a foreign agent in July 2023. Federal District Judge Sidney Stein will conduct Menendez’s sentencing hearing at 2 p.m. EST (1900 GMT) in Manhattan federal court.
Former U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez is set to be sentenced Wednesday on corruption charges after being convicted of abusing the power of his office in exchange for bribes in the form of gold bars, a luxury car and other items.
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Menendez, 71, faces decades in prison after a jury found… pic.twitter.com/7HEyrgqmSN
Prosecutors Seek Sentence
Prosecutors from the Manhattan U.S. Attorney’s office presented to Judge Sidney Stein evidence supporting 15 years of incarceration for the defendant Menendez. Evidence shows that Menendez arranged foreign aid shipments for Egypt while he received gold along with cash and a luxury car from foreign businessmen.
“Menendez, who swore an oath to represent the United States and the State of New Jersey, instead put his high office up for sale in exchange for this hoard of bribes,” prosecutors wrote in a Jan. 9 court filing.
Defense Pushes for Leniency
The defendant, Menendez, entered a not-guilty plea as he declared his plan to challenge the decision. Defense attorneys ask for 2-1/4 years maximum incarceration time because Menendez is old and dedicated many years to government service and charity activities, along with loving his family and losing his personal and business worth.
Menendez left his Senate position after receiving a guilty verdict.
Co-Conspirators and Upcoming Trials
A third New Jersey businessman named Wael Hana, along with Fred Daibes, also faces sentencing during Friday’s proceedings, as reported by Reuters.
The trial date for Nadine Menendez, the spouse of Menendez, is scheduled for March 18. Mrs. Menendez entered a not-guilty plea to corruption-related offenses.