Former Senator Bob Menendez Sentenced to 11 Years for Bribery
Bob Menendez, a prominent crypto skeptic and former U.S. Senator from New Jersey, was sentenced to an extensive 11 years in prison on Wednesday. This sentencing comes after he was found guilty of serious charges that included bribery and acting as an unregistered agent for the Egyptian government, as reported by the Associated Press.
Menendez, who was a leading figure in the Democratic Party, gained notoriety for his outspoken criticism of cryptocurrencies. He notably described bitcoin (BTC) as an “ideal choice for criminals” and was a vocal opponent of El Salvador’s decision to adopt BTC as legal tender. His stance placed him at odds with many in the rapidly evolving crypto landscape.
During the sentencing, District Judge Sidney H. Stein addressed Menendez directly, stating, “You were successful, powerful, you stood at the apex of our political system. Somewhere along the way, and I don’t know when it was, you lost your way and working for the public good became working for your good.” This remark underscores the gravity of Menendez’s fall from grace.
According to reports, Menendez accepted bribes in various forms, including gold and cash, leveraging his political connections to serve as an intermediary for Egyptian interests. His conviction on bribery charges last year marked a significant moment in his political career, as detailed in earlier reports by CoinDesk.
