Former Sen. Bob Menendez reported to jail Tuesday morning to start serving an 11-year sentence following his conviction on federal bribery expenses.
Menendez surrendered to the Federal Correctional Establishment, Schuylkill, in Minersville, Pennsylvania, about three hours away from his house in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey. The power homes roughly 1,200 inmates and has each a medium and minimum-security jail.
Former Sen. Bob Menendez convicted of bribery
Former Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., speaks to reporters after departing Manhattan federal courtroom following his sentencing on a bribery conviction, Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025, in New York.
Julia Demaree Nikhinson / AP
Menendez was convicted final 12 months of accepting bribes in change for political favors, together with defending New Jersey enterprise house owners from prison investigations and assembly with Egyptian officers earlier than serving to the nation entry $300 million in U.S. navy help.
FBI brokers searched the his house and located $480,000 in money, together with gold bars price an estimated $150,000 and a luxurious convertible.
Menendez, who was as soon as chair of the Senate Overseas Relations Committee, resigned his seat a month after his conviction. He had served within the Senate since 2006.
Two enterprise house owners have been additionally convicted within the case, and Menendez’s spouse, Nadine, was discovered responsible in April. Her sentencing is ready for Sept. 11.
Former Sen. Bob Menendez fights sentencing
Menendez has maintained his innocence. Final week, a federal seems might rejected his newest effort to remain free on bail whereas he fights to overturn his conviction.
He pleaded for leniency throughout his sentencing in January, telling the choose, “I am far from a perfect man. I have made more than my share of mistakes and bad decisions. I’ve done far more good than bad.”
Menendez has additionally gave the impression to be angling for a pardon from President Trump, aligning himself with the president’s criticisms of the judicial system, significantly in New York Metropolis.
“This process is political and it’s corrupted to the core. I hope President Trump cleans up the cesspool and restores the integrity to the system,” Menendez instructed reporters after his sentencing.
Christine Sloan and
Renee Anderson
contributed to this report.
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