Disgraced ex-Sen. Bob Menendez sentenced to 11 years in bribery case

SUMMARY
Former U.S. Senator Bob Menendez was sentenced to 11 years in prison on January 29, 2025, for a bribery and foreign influence scheme. Convicted on 16 counts including bribery and obstruction, Menendez, 71, was found guilty of accepting over $100,000 in gold bars and cash from foreign governments, specifically Egypt and Qatar. His actions led to widespread corruption within the U.S. Senate. Menendez became the first U.S. Senator convicted of acting as a foreign agent. Prosecutors reiterated the grave abuse of power involved, with Menendez selling his office for personal gain. His co-defendants, Wael Hana and Fred Daibes, received sentences of 8 and 7 years, respectively. Menendez's wife, Nadine, is set for trial in March 2025, facing charges related to the scheme. The conviction followed a nine-week trial in 2023, marking the end of Menendez's political career.