U.S. prosecutors are pushing for a 15-year prison term for former New Jersey Senator Robert Menendez, who was convicted on 16 counts of corruption after allegedly trading political favors for bribes. They argue Menendez abused his office by “putting it up for sale,” accepting bribes including gold, cash, and luxury items, in exchange for advancing foreign policy interests, such as military aid to Egypt and support for Qatar.
The filing, made on Thursday in Manhattan federal court, came just days after Menendez’s defense team requested leniency, citing his age, long career in public service, and personal hardships. His lawyers called for a lesser sentence, with one warning that the recommended term would be akin to a “death sentence” for the 71-year-old.
Menendez, who served in the Senate for 18 years and chaired the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, was convicted last July. Prosecutors also recommended significant prison sentences for two New Jersey businessmen involved in the bribery scheme, Wael Hana and Fred Daibes, suggesting at least 10 years and 9 years, respectively.
Prosecutors described the crimes as driven by “naked greed” and as a blatant attempt to corrupt critical aspects of U.S. foreign relations and law enforcement. Menendez’s co-defendants have sought sentences of no more than two years or no prison time at all.
In their filing, prosecutors highlighted Menendez as the first senator convicted for using a Senate leadership role to abuse his power and the first person convicted of acting as a foreign agent while holding public office. The case also involved accusations that Menendez tried to interfere with criminal investigations on behalf of his associates, including businessman Fred Daibes.
Despite a previous ethics violation involving gifts from a donor, Salomon Melgen, Menendez continued his illegal conduct, even after being reprimanded by the Senate ethics committee.
Menendez, who has consistently denied the charges, intends to appeal the conviction, potentially raising issues regarding the review of evidence by jurors. He and his co-defendants will be sentenced on January 29.
His wife, Nadine Menendez, faces related charges and has requested to delay her trial, scheduled for February 5, citing the media attention surrounding her husband’s case.
The Menendez defense team has argued for a sentence well below the guidelines, which suggest a term between 24 to 30 years, with probation officers recommending 12 years. Meanwhile, Hana’s lawyer has labeled a 10-year sentence as “inhumane.”