Anti-Türkiye former Sen. Bob Menendez sentenced to 11 years for bribery and corruption

Former U.S. Senator Bob Menendez, an A+ supporter of Armenian diaspora organization ANCA and known for his anti-Türkiye stance, was sentenced to 11 years in federal prison on Wednesday after being convicted of bribery and corruption.

Menendez, 71, was found guilty of accepting bribes, including gold bars and large sums of cash, in exchange for political favors benefiting businessmen connected to Egypt and Qatar.

During the sentencing, Judge Sidney Stein stated, “Somewhere along the way… you lost your way. Working for the public good became working for your good.” Menendez had served as chairman of the influential Senate Foreign Relations Committee before his conviction.

Meanwhile, in a tearful 12-minute speech before his sentencing, Menendez acknowledged past mistakes but defended his public service, according to several U.S. media outlets who were present in the room.

“I have done far more good than bad,” he reportedly stated.

The charges stemmed from an FBI raid on Menendez’s home, where authorities discovered nearly $500,000 in cash, gold bars worth around $150,000, and a luxury vehicle.

Menendez’s wife, Nadine, who is facing her own trial, was linked to the case, though defense lawyers sought to shift the blame.

Menendez, who stepped down as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in August, was also known for opposing arms sales to NATO ally Türkiye due to his apparent ties to Greek and Armenian lobbies in the U.S.

Menendez used influence to protect co-conspirators

Menendez, who plans to appeal, expressed deep regret for his actions but sought leniency, particularly for his son, Anthony, who has autism. In his defense, letters from acquaintances praised his character, with one saying Menendez inspired hope that it is possible to change the world.

Menendez’s conviction also involved two businessmen—Wael Hana, an Egyptian-American, and Fred Daibes, a real estate developer—both of whom were sentenced to prison on Wednesday. A third accomplice, Jose Uribe, had pleaded guilty earlier and assisted investigators.

The case revealed that Menendez used his influence to protect his co-conspirators and help the Egyptian government, including intervening in the nomination of New Jersey’s prosecutor to shield Daibes and Uribe from legal proceedings.