By Kara Scannell and Lauren del Valle, CNN 4 minute read Updated 4:48 PM EST, Wed January 29, 2025 In this courtroom sketch, former Sen. Bob Menendez, left, gives his statement to Judge Sidney Stein, during his sentencing in Manhattan federal court, Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025, in New York.

Former New Jersey Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez was sentenced to 11 years in prison. He was convicted of bribery and corruption. He took cash, a Mercedes Benz, and gold bars as bribes.

Menendez’s fall from power is dramatic. He was born to Cuban emigres and started in politics in Union City, New Jersey. He became a powerful senator, chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

“The public cannot be led to the belief that you can get away with bribery, fraud and betrayal,” said District Judge Sidney Stein.

“I don’t know what led you to this – greed was certainly part of it,” Stein added. “But that can’t be it, I don’t think that explains everything. Hubris was part of it, I don’t know. You’ll have to try to figure that out yourself over time.”

Menendez teared up as he spoke in court. “You have before you a chastened man,” he told the judge.

“Other than family, I have lost everything I ever cared about,” he added. “For someone who spent his entire life in public service, every day I’m awake is a punishment.”

But outside the court, Menendez railed against the prosecutors who brought the case. He appealed to the White House for a pardon.

“Only in the Southern District of New York would prosecutors allow a witness to walk away from over 10 criminal charges, including defrauding the United States government so that they can get him to lie on the stand. Welcome to the Southern District of New York, the wild west of political prosecutions,” Menendez said.

“This process is political and it’s corrupted to the core,” he added. “I hope President Trump cleans up the cesspool and restores the integrity to the system.”

Adam Fee, Menendez’s attorney, argued in court that the former senator deserved credit for his decades in public service.

“For nearly 50 years he’s been tireless servant of his community, his state and his country,” Fee said. “Despite his decades of service he is known more widely as ‘Gold Bar Bob.’”

Two of the gold bars found at Menendez’s house during a court-authorized search of the home. US District Court Southern District of New York

During the trial, the jury heard evidence that during a search of the senator’s home FBI agents found gold bars and envelopes stuffed with cash. Some were inside shoes and in a jacket pocket bearing the senator’s name.

In exchange, prosecutors alleged that Menendez pressured the US Department of Agriculture over a monopoly on halal meat certification. This benefited one of the businessmen. He also pushed through military aid to Egypt and “modulated his criticism” of the country’s human rights abuses. He attempted to tamper with two criminal investigations tied to the other two businessmen.

Two others involved were also sentenced Wednesday. Real estate developer Fred Daibes was sentenced to seven years in prison. Wael Hana, who runs a halal certification business, received a sentence of eight years. Jose Uribe, who pleaded guilty and testified at trial against the three men, will be sentenced later this year.

Prosecutors in Manhattan asked Judge William J. Stein to sentence Menendez to at least 15 years in prison. They also wanted him to pay millions in fines and forfeitures. This was to punish him for his abuse of power and betrayal of public trust.

Paul Monteleoni argued that Menendez’s position gave him more power than usual. He said Menendez’s actions were a grave breach of public trust.

Monteleoni noted that Menendez did some good in his time in government. He was supposed to help people, not use his power for personal gain.

The 71-year-old former lawmaker denied any wrongdoing. He received over 100 letters of support from various people, including the former president of Cyprus and local politicians.

Evidence found in Robert Menendez’s home was part of a Justice Department court filing. US District Court Southern District of New York

Menendez’s lawyers asked for mercy, citing his age and the penalties he’s already faced. They said his career was marked by helping the powerless, until his conviction tarnished his reputation.

They asked the judge to let Menendez stay out of prison while he appeals his conviction.

Menendez was not new to legal troubles. He was indicted in 2015 for corruption and later had a mistrial in 2017. He was acquitted on several charges in 2018, but the Department of Justice dropped the remaining charges.

In September 2023, Menendez was indicted again, this time with his wife Nadine. Their trials were separated after Nadine was diagnosed with cancer. Nadine has pleaded not guilty and will go to trial in March.

Former Sen. Bob Menendez departs Manhattan federal court after his sentencing on a bribery conviction on January 29, 2025, in New York. Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP

The headline and story have been updated with additional developments.