Menendez, who beat a prosecution in another corruption case a decade ago, aligned himself with President Donald Trump’s recent criticisms of the judicial system, particularly in New York City.
”This process is political and it’s corrupted to the core. I hope President Trump cleans up the cesspool and restores the integrity to the system,” Menendez said, reading from a sheet of paper.
The judge ordered him to report to prison June 6.
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, a Democrat, said that despite Menendez’s accomplishments, ”he will be remembered for putting his own interests and financial gain ahead of the public interest.” Menendez’s successor, Democratic U.S. Sen. Andy Kim, said the sentencing is a reminder that nobody should be above the law, ”no matter your title or the power you hold.”
Two of the men convicted of bribing Menendez also got substantial prison terms Wednesday. The judge sentenced real estate developer Fred Daibes to seven years in prison. Wael Hana, an entrepreneur, was sentenced to eight years.
Daibes, 67, tearfully told Stein his conviction had left him ”borderline suicidal.” Hana professed that he was innocent.
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