Statements on the sentencing of former Senator Bob Menendez

A federal judge on Wednesday sentenced former U.S. Senator Bob Menendez to 11 years in prison after the Democrat’s conviction on federal corruption charges.

The senator, who has maintained his innocence ever since the charges were first unsealed, has previously said he intends to appeal his conviction.

Here are statements about the sentencing:

Gov. Phil Murphy:

“Today marks the sad end to a long and largely productive career in public service.

“Senator Menendez accomplished many things on behalf of our state and our residents, but sadly he will be remembered for putting his own interests and financial gain ahead of the public interest. At a time when our country is deeply divided, it is critical that we hold our elected leaders to the highest professional and ethical standards.

“I want to thank the prosecutors, law enforcement officials, attorneys, judges, and jurors for ensuring that the rule of law was upheld.”

Senator Andy Kim:

“Today’s sentencing is a reminder that nobody – no matter your title or the power you hold – should be above the law and that the role of a public servant is to pursue common good instead of one’s own benefit. I hope today is the last time we see an elected public servant from New Jersey sentenced for abusing the trust of the people. We are now entering a new chapter of New Jersey politics, one that must be centered around trust and integrity. That’s what the people deserve.”

Danielle R. Sassoon, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York:

“The sentences imposed today result from an egregious abuse of power at the highest levels of the Legislative Branch of the federal government. Robert Menendez was trusted to represent the United States and the State of New Jersey, but instead he used his position to help his co-conspirators and a foreign government, in exchange for bribes like cash, gold, and a luxury car. The sentences imposed today send a clear message that attempts at any level of government to corrupt the nation’s foreign policy and the rule of law will be met with just punishment.”

U.S. Senator Bob Menendez

“I am innocent and look forward to my appeal on a whole host of issues. But let me just say this whole process has been nothing but a political witch hunt, by the Justice Department’s NSD and prosecutors who are more interested in political scalps, and preparing to run for political office, like Damian Williams.

“Only in the SDNY could prosecutors send the jury illegal evidence, that violates the judges order and the constitutions speech and debate clause, have no accountability as to who, and how that illegal evidence got to the jury, claim that it was critical evidence when they were trying to convince the judge not once but twice to allow it to be presented to the jury, and then when they were challenged, say that it was unimportant. Then they wiped the laptop clean, so no one could see everything they did. That’s simply unbelievable and outrageous.

“Only the SDNY would embrace an FBI agent, who got caught lying on the stand, in order to make their case. And only in the SDNY would prosecutors allow a witness to walk away from over 10 criminal charges, including defrauding the US GOVERNMENT, so that they can get him to lie on the stand.

“Welcome to the Southern District of New York, the Wild West of political prosecutions.

“President Trump is right. This process is political and has been corrupted to the core. I hope President Trump cleans up the cesspool and restores integrity to the system.”

Attorney General Matt Platkin

“I am pleased to see justice has been served against Bob Menendez, who betrayed his office and the oath he swore to serve the interests of the residents of our state and not his own. His unlawful conduct is yet another stain on our state and I thank the courageous prosecutors for holding him accountable. I remain committed to doing everything I can to root out corruption, hold the powerful to account, and uphold the rule of law – no matter who it may offend.”

This story is developing and will be updated as further statements are released.