Former U.S. Senator Bob Menendez has been sentenced to 11 years in prison after being convicted in a high-profile corruption case. Federal prosecutors had pushed for at least 15 years, arguing that his crimes were particularly egregious.

Menendez, now 72, was found guilty in 2023 on 16 counts of corruption-related charges. The charges stemmed from his acceptance of lavish bribes—including gold bars, cash payments, and a luxury Mercedes-Benz—in exchange for using his political influence to benefit the governments of Egypt and Qatar.

During his sentencing on Wednesday, Menendez broke down in tears twice, pleading with Judge Sidney Stein for leniency.

“I have lost everything,” he said.

However, Judge Stein remained unmoved, rejecting requests from Menendez’s lawyers for a reduced sentence that included community service.

“Somewhere along the way, you became, I’m sorry to say, a corrupt politician,” Stein stated before handing down the 11-year prison term.

In addition to serving time behind bars, Menendez has been ordered to forfeit nearly $1 million in illegal gains, totaling $992,188.10.

Despite the conviction, Menendez has vowed to appeal. He has also sought a presidential pardon—first from President Joe Biden, who declined, and now from former President Donald Trump. Echoing Trump’s own legal rhetoric, Menendez has dismissed the case against him as a “political witch hunt.”