Nadine Menendez, the spouse of former New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez, was sentenced to 54 months, or greater than 4 years, in jail Thursday in her federal bribery case.
She was convicted in April of accepting a whole bunch of 1000’s of {dollars} in money and gold bars in trade for political favors. Different alleged bribes included a Mercedes-Benz, and cash for a mortgage fee and for a low-to-no-show job.
Prosecutors needed Nadine Menendez, 58, to serve at the very least seven years, however her protection requested a one-year sentence, citing her ongoing breast most cancers therapies. Her legal professional stated he is involved that she will not get correct care in jail and that she’s coping with ache from surgical procedures that did not go nicely.
Richard Drew / AP
Federal sentencing tips name for no less than 17 and a half years, however the choose had stated he deliberate at hand down a sentence that is “considerably under” that. He additionally stated he wouldn’t remand her Thursday, and set a give up date for July 10, 2026.
The precise sentence is 54 months in jail, adopted by three years of supervised launch. She was additionally ordered to pay $1,400.
The choose stated he thought-about all elements, together with her childhood trauma, her most cancers analysis and charitable work, however he additionally stated she was “a central participant” within the scheme.
Nadine Menendez speaks at sentencing
After either side introduced their arguments Thursday, Nadine Menendez tearfully addressed the courtroom. She informed Choose Sidney H. Stein that Bob Menendez was like a savior following her divorce from a earlier abusive relationship, and that she blindly did what he requested. She stated she by no means imagined somebody together with his energy and rank placing her able to do one thing unlawful.
She added she takes full accountability, saying, “I used to be improper about my husband.” As she left the courthouse, she was requested whether or not she would divorce the previous senator and replied, “no.”
Bob Menendez resigned from the U.S. Senate weeks after being discovered responsible for his position within the bribery scheme, and he’s presently serving an 11-year sentence.
“Companions in crime”
An FBI search of the couple’s residence turned up greater than $480,000 in money stuffed in envelopes hidden in numerous locations, together with gold bars and $70,000 in Nadine Menendez’s protected deposit field.
Throughout opening statements at her trial, prosecutors informed jurors “she did the soiled work,” alleging Nadine and Bob Menendez “engaged in a corrupt relationship with three New Jersey associates and businessmen” and offered Egyptian authorities officers with delicate info.
“Nadine Menendez and Sen. Menendez have been companions in crime. Over the span of 5 years, Nadine Menendez agreed to simply accept and accepted all kinds of bribes — together with gold bars, money, a Mercedes-Benz convertible, and a no-show job — all in trade for the senator’s corrupt official acts,” Appearing U.S. Lawyer Matthew Podolsky stated after her responsible verdict. “Collectively, Nadine Menendez and the senator positioned their very own pursuits and greed forward of the pursuits of the residents the senator was elected to serve.”
She didn’t converse after the decision, however her protection legal professional stated they have been devastated. In the meantime, her husband has vowed to attraction his conviction.
Alice Gainer
contributed to this report.
