New York — Former U.S. Senator Bob Menendez was sentenced on Wednesday to 11 years in prison following his conviction on bribery and corruption charges. The once-powerful Democrat, who represented New Jersey for nearly two decades, was found guilty of accepting bribes, including cash, gold bars, and luxury vehicles, in exchange for political favors involving Egypt and New Jersey businessmen.

During the sentencing, U.S. District Judge Sidney Stein indicated that Menendez's actions represented a grievous breach of public trust, stating, “Somewhere along the way, you became, I’m sorry to say, a corrupt politician.” The prosecution had requested a more stringent 15-year prison term, highlighting the "rare gravity" of his offenses, which included acting as a foreign agent for Egypt. In total, Menendez was convicted on 16 counts that encompassed bribery, extortion, conspiracy, and obstruction of justice.

Menendez, now 71, expressed profound regret in court, noting, “Other than family, I have lost everything I care about. Every day I’m awake is a punishment.” Menendez’s downfall began publicly in 2023 when corruption charges surfaced, forcing him to relinquish his role as the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee following a lengthy investigation.

FBI agents discovered extensive illicit funds during a raid at Menendez's home in 2022, uncovering approximately $480,000 in cash and gold bars valued around $150,000, hidden in various belongings. Menendez’s co-defendants, New Jersey businessmen Wael Hana and Fred Daibes, were sentenced to eight and seven years, respectively, for their part in the corruption scheme.

Additionally, the former senator’s wife, Nadine Menendez, faces similar charges and is set for trial later this year. While Menendez has maintained his innocence and has appealed the conviction, the once-respected political figure now faces consequences reflecting the severe impact of his actions on public integrity.

This case has underscored a significant commentary on political accountability, raising questions about the influence of personal motivations in public service roles. Prosecutors illustrated their perspective that Menendez "put his high office up for sale in exchange for this hoard of bribes," shedding light on the ongoing need for scrutiny within political systems.

For further details, refer to the sources: CBS, Los Angeles Times, and VOA News.