Gold Bar ex-senator Menendez denied bail as prison date nears

Former US Senator Robert Menendez has been denied bail as he awaits an appeal of his federal bribery conviction, a ruling that comes just days before he is scheduled to begin serving his prison sentence.

On June 11, a three-judge panel from the 2nd US Circuit Court of Appeals rejected the 71-year-old’s request for bail in a brief order that offered no rationale, but said one of the three judges would have granted the motion, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Menendez, a New Jersey Democrat and former chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, is due to report to federal prison on June 17. He was convicted last July of accepting bribes in exchange for political favours benefiting New Jersey business owners and foreign governments.

FBI agents who raided his home in 2021 uncovered nearly half a million dollars in cash—some hidden in boots and jacket pockets—alongside gold bars, hence the nickname, valued at $150,000 and a luxury convertible parked in his garage.

Prosecutors said Menendez used his influence to shield associates from criminal investigations, assist in overseas business deals, and facilitate $300 million in US military aid to Egypt after meeting with the country’s intelligence officials.

Menendez has maintained his innocence and is appealing the conviction.

He resigned from the Senate in August 2024, a month after the verdict. Two businessmen involved in the scheme were also convicted, and his wife, Nadine Menendez, formerly Arslanian, was found guilty in April of collaborating in the bribery scheme. Her sentencing is scheduled for September 11 after a delay due to breast cancer treatment.

By Sabina Mammadli