Nadine Menendez, wife of former Sen. Bob Menendez, sentenced to more than 4 years in federal bribery case

[ad_1] 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 lots of 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 wished Nadine Menendez, 58, to serve no less than seven years, however her protection requested a one-year sentence, citing her ongoing breast most cancers remedies . Her lawyer 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.

Nadine Menendez, spouse of former Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., arrives at Manhattan federal courtroom, in New York, Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025. Richard Drew / AP

Federal sentencing tips name for at least 17 and a half years, however the decide had stated he deliberate handy 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 decide 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 offered their arguments Thursday, Nadine Menendez tearfully addressed the courtroom. She advised 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 unsuitable 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 at the moment serving an 11-year sentence .

"Companions in crime" An FBI search of the couple's house 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 advised 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," Performing U.S. Legal professional 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 communicate after the decision, however her protection lawyer stated they have been devastated. In the meantime, her husband has vowed to enchantment his conviction.

Alice Gainer contributed to this report.

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Renee Anderson

Renee Anderson is a digital producer at CBS New York, the place she covers breaking information and different native tales. Earlier than becoming a member of the workforce in 2016, Renee labored at WMUR-TV.