By AGGREY BULUBA
A leopard may change its spots, but its nature remains unchanged. Once a prominent figure in U.S. politics, former New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez now finds himself entangled in legal troubles.
A judge has sentenced Menendez after a jury convicted him of accepting bribes, including gold bars, cash, and a luxury car, in exchange for political favors from foreign governments.
The 71-year-old faced 16 counts of corruption and bribery. Prosecutors deemed his crimes “extremely serious” and sought at least 15 years in prison, while his attorneys requested a lighter sentence with community service.
Before sentencing, Menendez sobbed, stating, “Other than my family, I have lost everything,” and asserted that waking up daily felt like punishment. He pleaded for mercy, citing his decades of public service.
Judge Sidney Stein, however, was unswayed, telling Menendez, “Somewhere along the way, you became a corrupt politician,” before issuing the sentence.
A Web of Corruption
Menendez was not alone in this scandal. Others have also faced justice:
- Fred Daibes, a real estate developer implicated in delivering gold and cash to Menendez, received a seven-year prison sentence and a $1.75 million fine.
- Wael Hana, a businessman linked to Menendez’s dealings with Egypt, was sentenced to over eight years in prison and fined $1.25 million.
- Jose Uribe, another businessman involved, pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing.
- Menendez’s wife, Nadine, is accused of helping orchestrate the bribes. Her trial has been postponed until March due to cancer treatment, but she denies any wrongdoing.
FBI Raid and Fallout
Once the influential chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Menendez resigned from the Senate after his conviction.
During the nine-week trial, prosecutors disclosed that FBI agents found over $100,000 in gold bars and more than $480,000 in cash hidden in Menendez’s home. In return for these bribes, he allegedly helped Egypt obtain millions in U.S. aid. His lawyers contended the gifts were not bribes and argued that prosecutors failed to demonstrate he took specific actions in exchange.
Despite his conviction, Menendez maintains his innocence and plans to appeal.
As the saying goes, “When the drumbeat changes, the dance must follow.” Once a powerful politician, Menendez now faces the consequences of his actions.
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