‘Upto $1million Illicit Gains!’ Ex-US Senator Sentenced to 11 Years in Prison for Bribery

Bob Menendez, former New Jersey senator, has been sentenced to 11 years in prison after being found guilty of multiple corruption charges.

The 71-year-old ex-senator was convicted last year on 16 counts, including accepting gold bars, cash, and a luxury car in exchange for political favors to Egypt and Qatar.

Despite prosecutors pushing for a 15-year sentence, US District Judge Sidney Stein handed down an 11-year term, citing Menendez’s deep-rooted corruption.

“Somewhere along the way, you became, I’m sorry to say, a corrupt politician,” Stein remarked before delivering the verdict.

The judge ordered a forfeiture for all of Menendez’s ill-gotten gains, which totalled $992,188.10, according to the US attorney’s office.

Menendez, who broke down in tears while pleading for mercy, insists he is the target of a political witch hunt.

“I have lost everything,”

he said.

His lawyers called for a shorter sentence paired with community service.

He has vowed to appeal the conviction and is reportedly seeking a pardon from former President Donald Trump after failing to secure one from Joe Biden.