Former U.S. Senator Bob Menendez is set to report to federal prison on Tuesday to begin serving an 11-year sentence for bribery, corruption, and acting as an unregistered agent of Egypt. The 71-year-old New Jersey Democrat, once a powerful figure in Washington, was convicted earlier this year and has since become a symbol of political disgrace—mocked even by his own lawyers as “Gold Bar Bob.”
Menendez is expected to serve his sentence at Federal Correctional Institution, Schuylkill, in eastern Pennsylvania. The facility, located about 118 miles west of New York City, has both a medium-security prison and a minimum-security prison camp. Given the white-collar nature of Menendez’s crimes, he will likely be assigned to the minimum-security camp.
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The prison also houses some notorious names, including former NYC mob boss James Coonan and violent gas station mogul Gurmeet Singh Dhinsa, nicknamed “Gas-Station Gotti” for his ruthless, violent ways.
Menendez was convicted of accepting bribes in cash and gold, a luxury convertible, and other favors in exchange for helping New Jersey businessmen with legal troubles and foreign business dealings—particularly with Egypt.
In a 2023 FBI raid, agents recovered $480,000 in cash, some hidden in boots and jacket pockets, gold bars worth about $150,000, and a high-end car in his garage. Prosecutors said he leveraged his Senate power to protect allies, assist Egyptian officials, and help unlock $300 million in U.S. military aid to Egypt.
Menendez’s appeals for bail and leniency were rejected. Just last week, the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals denied his final attempt to remain free during appeal. At his January sentencing, he told the court, “I am far from a perfect man… I’ve done far more good than bad.” But the court remained unmoved.
His lawyers argued he went from rags to riches, embodying the American Dream as the son of Cuban immigrants who rose to become a mayor and later Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. But his downfall, they admitted, has made him a “national punchline.”
Menendez has voiced support for former President Donald Trump, accusing the justice system of being “political” and “corrupted to the core,” hinting that he may seek a presidential pardon if Trump returns to the White House.
“I hope President Trump cleans up the cesspool and restores the integrity to the system,” Menendez said after his sentencing.
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Two New Jersey businessmen were convicted alongside Menendez.
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His wife, Nadine Menendez, was also convicted in April for participating in the bribery scheme. She is scheduled to be sentenced on September 11.
Menendez, who had served in the Senate since 2006, resigned a month after his conviction in 2024. Once a powerful foreign policy voice in Washington, he now enters prison remembered not for his legislative work—but for the gold bars, cash-stuffed jackets, and one of the most brazen political corruption cases in recent memory.
