Nadine Menendez, the wife of former US Senator Robert Menendez, has been sentenced to four-and-a-half years in federal prison for her role in a high-profile bribery scheme that involved stacks of cash, gold bars, and luxury vehicles. The sentencing, delivered by District Judge Sidney H. Stein on September 11, marks a significant chapter in a case that has shaken political circles and underscored the reach of corruption at the highest levels of American politics.

At 58, Nadine Menendez stood before the court, visibly emotional, as she addressed the judge, describing herself as manipulated and misled by her husband throughout the illicit activities. “I put my life in his hands and he strung me like a puppet,” she told Judge Stein, her voice breaking. “I now know, he’s not my saviour. He’s not the man I thought he was.”

Her statement came after months of legal proceedings that revealed the inner workings of a complex bribery and influence scheme. In April, a federal jury convicted Nadine Menendez on 15 counts, including bribery, for acting as a conduit between her husband and Egyptian officials. Prosecutors detailed how she relayed messages, arranged meetings, and facilitated interactions that allowed Robert Menendez to exploit his powerful position for personal gain and the benefit of foreign actors.

Robert Menendez, who served as the highest-ranking Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, was convicted last year for his role in the scheme and

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