NEW YORK — Attorneys representing former New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez are appealing to a judge for leniency in his upcoming sentencing related to his bribery conviction. They argue that the senator has been reduced to a “national punchline” despite his history of public service and charitable actions that have positively impacted lives. The sentencing is set for January 29.
In a letter submitted late Thursday to the presiding judge, Menendez’s legal team emphasized that his significant contributions throughout a life marked by overcoming adversity should be taken into account during sentencing. The senator, who is now 71 years old, was found guilty in July on 16 counts of corruption, with prosecutors alleging he abused his Senate position to benefit three New Jersey businessmen.
Two of those businessmen faced convictions alongside Menendez, while the third entered a guilty plea and provided testimony during the trial. Additionally, his wife is scheduled to face trial next month on similar charges, a case that was postponed to allow her to undergo treatment for breast cancer.
Menendez’s lawyers informed Judge Sidney H. Stein that he has experienced significant challenges since being charged in 2023, including losing his Senate seat after serving for 18 years and a decline in his professional and social relationships.
They pointed out that his conviction has turned him into a target for public ridicule, effectively stripping him of all personal, professional, and financial advantages. “Bob is now 71, with his long-built reputation in tatters,” they stated in the letter. They expressed concern for his suffering, citing the financial struggles and professional fallout he has endured and highlighting the additional burden of supporting his wife in her battle with cancer amidst her own impending trial.
The defense argued that given Menendez’s age and the already significant penalties he has incurred, he merits compassion despite his legal troubles. They noted that the Probation Department has suggested a sentencing range of 12 to 30 years, which they referred to as “draconian.” They contended that a more fitting calculation of federal guidelines would indicate a sentence closer to two years in prison, claiming even that would be excessive.
Federal prosecutors are expected to provide their own recommendations regarding sentencing later this month.
