Bob Menendez: 11-Year Prison Sentence Begins
Menendez Reports to Prison for Bribery Role, Eyes trump Pardon
Former Sen. Bob Menendez started his 11-year prison sentence Tuesday, following his conviction on federal bribery charges. The former senator must now adjust to his new role as an inmate.
Menendez, 71, surrendered to the Federal Correctional Institution, Schuylkill, in Minersville, Pennsylvania. The facility, about three hours from his New Jersey home, houses roughly 1,200 inmates in both medium- and minimum-security units.
Last year, Menendez was convicted of accepting bribes in exchange for political favors. These included shielding New Jersey business owners from criminal investigations and engaging with Egyptian officials to facilitate $300 million in U.S. military aid.
A search of Menendez’s home by FBI agents uncovered $480,000 in cash, gold bars valued at approximately $150,000, and a luxury convertible.
Following his conviction, Menendez, who once chaired the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, resigned from his Senate seat, which he had held since 2006. Two business owners were also convicted in the case. His wife, Nadine Menendez, was found guilty in april, with her sentencing scheduled for Sept. 11.
Menendez has consistently asserted his innocence. A federal appeals court recently denied his request to remain free on bail while he challenges his conviction.
During his January sentencing, Menendez pleaded for leniency, stating, ”I am far from a perfect man… I’ve done far more good than bad.”