Bob Menendez, the former Democratic Senator from New Jersey, received an 11-year prison sentence on Wednesday due to a federal bribery scandal. He was accused of accepting cash, gold bars, and various gifts in exchange for using his political influence on behalf of two businessmen from New Jersey and Egypt.

In July, a jury convicted Menendez alongside Edgewater real estate developer Fred Daibes and Egyptian American businessman Wael Hana on all counts associated with the bribery plot. Daibes received a seven-year prison term along with a fine of $1.75 million, while Hana was sentenced to just over eight years and fined $1.3 million. Unlike his co-defendants, Menendez was not imposed a fine.

The trial focused on allegations that Menendez leveraged his political power to sway criminal investigations involving the two businessmen and also directed substantial U.S. aid towards Egypt, benefiting their business interests. In return for these actions, he and his wife, Nadine Arslanian Menendez, accepted luxurious gifts, including gold bars, cash, and high-end vehicles.

At 71 years old, Menendez served in the U.S. Senate for more than 18 years before resigning in August following his convictions.

Before the sentencing, Menendez’s legal team submitted motions expressing their intent to appeal the case regardless of the sentencing outcome.

Here’s what you need to know.

What Charges Were Brought Against Bob Menendez?

During a nine-week trial, Menendez, Hana, and Daibes were found guilty of various charges such as bribery, conspiracy to obstruct justice, and obstruction of justice. Menendez was convicted on all 16 charges brought against him.

The senator’s wife, Nadine Arslanian Menendez, is still awaiting her trial date, facing 15 charges related to bribery and corruption. During the proceedings, Menendez’s attorney pointed fingers at his wife regarding the bribery scheme.

Her trial is scheduled to commence on March 18, having been delayed due to her cancer diagnosis last spring.

Fred Daibes, a collaborator of Menendez, was found guilty in July on seven counts of bribery and obstruction of justice. He is awaiting sentencing in connection with a separate federal bank fraud case in March.

Wael Hana, the Egyptian businessman, received a sentence of just over eight years in prison and was fined $1.3 million for allegedly leveraging Menendez to gain advantageous treatment from Egyptian authorities for his export business.

Menendez Plans to Appeal

The day prior to sentencing, Menendez’s legal team filed a motion for his release while they pursue an appeal.

They emphasized in a 36-page brief that he poses no threat to public safety or risk of flight. Furthermore, they remarked that he intends to be actively involved in his wife’s trial and is “dedicated to clearing his name through the appeal.”

The document also aims to challenge the constitutionality of the charges against Menendez.

“A man should not be imprisoned when reasonable differences exist regarding the legal soundness of his convictions. A dedicated public servant should not have to endure an appeal from within the confines of a federal prison,” argued Menendez’s attorney, Adam Fee.

Contributing: Reuters