Former U.S. Senator Bob Menendez of New Jersey has officially begun serving an 11-year prison sentence after being convicted in a federal bribery and corruption case.
On Tuesday morning, Menendez, 71, reported to the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Schuylkill in Pennsylvania, located roughly 2.5 hours from his home in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey. The facility includes both medium-security and minimum-security units, and Menendez is expected to serve his sentence in the minimum-security camp due to the nonviolent nature of his offenses.
His sentence follows a high-profile trial in which he was found guilty on all 16 counts of corruption and bribery. According to federal prosecutors, Menendez accepted bribes including gold bars, large sums of cash, luxury items, and a Mercedes-Benz convertible from three New Jersey businessmen. In exchange, he allegedly used his influence in the U.S. Senate to benefit the businessmen, as well as foreign governments including Egypt and Qatar.
Menendez has consistently denied wrongdoing and had requested to delay his prison term in order to assist his wife, Nadine Menendez, who is also facing charges related to the same case. She is scheduled to begin serving her sentence in September.
The investigation gained national attention after a 2022 FBI search of Menendez’s home uncovered approximately $480,000 in cash and gold bars worth around $150,000. Items were reportedly hidden throughout the residence, including in clothing and storage containers.
In his January sentencing hearing, Menendez addressed the court, acknowledging his mistakes and asking for leniency. His legal team described his life journey from modest beginnings as the son of Cuban immigrants to decades in public service, including roles as a mayor and long-serving member of Congress.
Despite efforts to appeal his conviction and request bail, a federal appeals court recently denied his motion to remain free during the legal process.
His conviction marks one of the most notable recent cases of public corruption involving a former member of the U.S. Senate.
