The two businessmen found guilty of giving Menendez gold bars, cash and a convertible received sentences of seven and eight years in prison at the hearing Wednesday. Lawyers for Menendez, 71, suggested a term of about two years, or even home detention and community service. The sentence will complete the downfall of a gifted politician who rose from a family of Cuban immigrants to become the most powerful Hispanic lawmaker in Congress.
Menendez, who overcame unrelated corruption charges when a case ended in a mistrial, was forced to resign after New York jurors convicted him in July. Before turning to Menendez, Stein sentenced the two businessmen convicted of bribing Menendez and other crimes β Fred Daibes and Wael Hana. He broke down in tears when asking the judge for a sentence of home confinement, for the sake of his autistic, year-old son.
Prosecutors say Nadine Menendez was a go-between who collected bribes and set up meetings with the businessmen and Egyptian officials. Prosecutors said Menendez illegally helped Egypt secure US military aid and sensitive information; protected an Egyptian monopoly that Hana secured to inspect meat bound for Egypt; influenced a US indictment in New Jersey of Daibes; and swayed New Jersey criminal probes of people close to another businessman who admitted bribing the senator with a Mercedes.
Menendez is planning to ask President Donald Trump for a pardon, according to a person familiar with the matter. Former President Joe Biden declined a pardon request before leaving office. They also argue that prosecutors improperly included 11 exhibits among 3, given to jurors during their deliberations.
In a separate filing, defense lawyers urged Stein to reject the year term recommended by probation officials. A few themes emerged about Menendez. One letter came from the husband of a New Jersey federal judge whose son was murdered by a disgruntled lawyer who showed up at their house.
