Bob Menendez's Lawyers Urge Leniency Ahead of Sentencing in Corruption Case

The former senator, convicted of bribery, faces up to 30 years in prison, with his defense citing his ruined reputation, age, and wife's illness as grounds for mercy.

Bob Menendez, 71, was convicted in July 2024 on 16 corruption charges, including bribery and acting as a foreign agent, for accepting lavish gifts in exchange for political favors.
His lawyers argue that the court's probation department's recommendation of a 12-year sentence is excessive and advocate for alternatives to incarceration, such as home detention or community service.
The defense emphasizes Menendez's personal and professional downfall, including the loss of his Senate seat, financial ruin, and a tarnished reputation, describing him as a 'national punchline.'
Menendez's wife, Nadine, who is also charged in the case, is battling breast cancer and is set to face trial in February 2025; her condition was cited as a factor in the plea for leniency.
Sentencing is scheduled for January 29, with federal prosecutors expected to submit their own sentencing recommendations later this month.