Nadine Menendez Sentenced to 4.5 Years for Role in Bribery Scheme

Nadine Menendez, 58, was sentenced to 54 months in prison on Thursday for her part in a bribery scheme that involved arranging cash, gold bars and a Mercedes-Benz for her husband, former Senator Robert Menendez, and Egyptian officials.

Convicted in April on 15 counts including bribery and conspiracy, Menendez was described by prosecutors as a key intermediary who relayed messages and set up secret meetings. Federal agents uncovered over $100,000 in gold and hundreds of thousands in cash hidden in the couple’s New Jersey home during a 2022 FBI raid.

Her husband, once the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, was sentenced to 11 years last year after his conviction in the same case. Prosecutors argued the pair used his influence to advance Egypt’s interests in Washington.

At her sentencing hearing, Menendez distanced herself from her husband, admitting she failed to ask critical questions. She told the judge, “I now know he’s not the man I thought he was.” Diagnosed with breast cancer after her indictment, she stood trial following surgery, wearing a mask and awareness pin throughout the proceedings.

Two others—developer Fred Daibes and halal certification operator Wael Hana—also received convictions, and insurance broker Jose Uribe pleaded guilty in March 2024.

Federal prosecutors said Menendez was essential to a sophisticated bribery network that exploited a U.S. senator’s power to benefit foreign interests.

This topic was reported by BBC News.

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