Nadine Menendez, the spouse of former New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez, was sentenced to 54 months, or greater than 4 years, in jail Thursday in her federal bribery case.
She was convicted in April of accepting tons of of hundreds of {dollars} in money and gold bars in alternate for political favors. Different alleged bribes included a Mercedes-Benz, and cash for a mortgage fee and for a low-to-no-show job.
Prosecutors needed Nadine Menendez, 58, to serve no less than seven years, however her protection requested a one-year sentence, citing her ongoing breast most cancers therapies. Her legal professional mentioned he’s involved that she received’t get correct care in jail and that she’s coping with ache from surgical procedures that didn’t go effectively.
Nadine Menendez, spouse of former Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., arrives at Manhattan federal court docket, in New York, Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025.
Richard Drew / AP
Federal sentencing pointers name for no less than 17 and a half years, however the decide had mentioned he deliberate at hand down a sentence that’s “substantially below” that. He additionally mentioned he wouldn’t remand her Thursday, and set a give up date for July 10, 2026.
The precise sentence is 54 months in jail, adopted by three years of supervised launch. She was additionally ordered to pay $1,400.
The decide mentioned he thought of all components, together with her childhood trauma, her most cancers analysis and charitable work, however he additionally mentioned she was “a central participant” within the scheme.
Nadine Menendez speaks at sentencing
After either side introduced their arguments Thursday, Nadine Menendez tearfully addressed the court docket. She informed Decide Sidney H. Stein that Bob Menendez was like a savior following her divorce from a earlier abusive relationship, and that she blindly did what he requested. She mentioned she by no means imagined somebody together with his energy and rank placing her ready to do one thing unlawful.
She added she takes full accountability, saying, “I was wrong about my husband.” As she left the courthouse, she was requested whether or not she would divorce the previous senator and replied, “no.”
Bob Menendez resigned from the U.S. Senate weeks after being discovered responsible for his function within the bribery scheme, and he’s at present serving an 11-year sentence.
“Partners in crime”
An FBI search of the couple’s house turned up greater than $480,000 in money stuffed in envelopes hidden in numerous locations, together with gold bars and $70,000 in Nadine Menendez’s protected deposit field.
Throughout opening statements at her trial, prosecutors informed jurors “she did the dirty work,” alleging Nadine and Bob Menendez “engaged in a corrupt relationship with three New Jersey associates and businessmen” and supplied Egyptian authorities officers with delicate info.
“Nadine Menendez and Sen. Menendez were partners in crime. Over the span of five years, Nadine Menendez agreed to accept and accepted all sorts of bribes — including gold bars, cash, a Mercedes-Benz convertible, and a no-show job — all in exchange for the senator’s corrupt official acts,” Performing U.S. Lawyer Matthew Podolsky mentioned after her responsible verdict. “Together, Nadine Menendez and the senator placed their own interests and greed ahead of the interests of the citizens the senator was elected to serve.”
She didn’t communicate after the decision, however her protection legal professional mentioned they have been devastated. In the meantime, her husband has vowed to enchantment his conviction.
Alice Gainer
contributed to this report.
Extra from CBS Information
