Menendez, as soon as a strong determine in US overseas coverage, was discovered responsible of promoting affect to the Egyptian authorities.
Robert Menendez, a former United States senator representing New Jersey, has been handed an 11-year jail sentence for bribery schemes that included receiving gold bars in change for favours on behalf of Egypt.
On Wednesday, in sorrowful testimony, Menendez instructed a Manhattan federal courtroom that he had misplaced every part he beloved because of the corruption expenses, aside from the assist of his spouse.
“For somebody who spent his whole life in public service, each day I’m awake is a punishment,” Menendez, a Democrat, stated.
Menendez was as soon as a strong determine in US politics, chairing the Senate Overseas Relations Committee.
He additionally garnered a repute as an outspoken supporter of hawkish overseas insurance policies: For instance, he broke with Democratic ranks to oppose a 2015 deal that may restrict Iran’s nuclear programme in change for sanctions reduction.
However in July 2024, a courtroom discovered him responsible of performing as a overseas agent on behalf of the Egyptian authorities and buying and selling affect for money, gold and even a Mercedes-Benz automotive.
“You have been profitable, highly effective. You stood on the apex of our political system,” US District Decide Sidney Stein stated at Wednesday’s sentencing listening to.
“Someplace alongside the way in which – and I don’t know when it was – you misplaced your method, and dealing for the general public good grew to become working in your good.”
Menendez, for his half, appealed to the courtroom for mercy, citing his file in public service.
“You actually don’t know the person you might be about to condemn,” Menendez tearfully instructed Stein within the courtroom.
“Your honour, I’m removed from an ideal man. I’ve made greater than my share of errors and unhealthy choices,” he added. “I’ve accomplished much more good than unhealthy. I ask you, Your Honour, to evaluate me in that context.”
The choose didn’t seem moved, stating at one level that Menendez had change into a “corrupt politician”.
The 71-year-old Menendez had served 18 years within the Senate – and, earlier than that, 13 years within the Home of Representatives – earlier than his political profession got here to an abrupt cease in 2024.
In August, amid the scandal of his corruption case, he resigned. The choice got here a month after he was found guilty on 16 felony corruption expenses.
“Menendez, who swore an oath to characterize the US and the State of New Jersey, as an alternative put his excessive workplace up on the market in change for this hoard of bribes,” prosecutors wrote in a January 9 courtroom submitting. That they had requested a 15-year jail sentence.
Earlier on Wednesday, Menendez’s two co-defendants, New Jersey businessmen Fred Daibes and Wael Hana, have been sentenced respectively to seven and greater than eight years in jail.
A corruption trial for Menendez’s spouse, Nadine, is scheduled to start on March 18.
