Nadine Menendez, the wife of former U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ), has been sentenced to prison.

The Hill reports that the 58-year-old has been given a 54-month sentence for her role in helping her husband to trade his political influence for lavish gifts.

As we will see, though, it appears that the judge went a bit easy on her.

Former U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez's sobbing wife told a judge that her husband was "not the man I thought he was" before she was sentenced Thursday to 4½ years in prison for selling the powerful New Jersey politician's influence in exchange for bribes of cash, gold bars and a luxury… pic.twitter.com/UPOz5dacvC

— NEWSMAX (@NEWSMAX) September 11, 2025

Background

CBS News reports that Nadine Menendez was convicted back in April 2025.

Per the outlet:

She was convicted in April of accepting hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash and gold bars in exchange for political favors. Other alleged bribes included a Mercedes-Benz, and money for a mortgage payment and for a low-to-no-show job.

Menendez was just sentenced this past week. She did decide to address the court.

CBS reports:

After both sides presented their arguments Thursday, Nadine Menendez tearfully addressed the court. She told Judge Stein that Bob Menendez was like a savior following her divorce from a previous abusive relationship, and that she blindly did what he asked. She said she never imagined someone with his power and rank putting her in a position to do something illegal. She added she takes full accountability, saying, "I was wrong about my husband." As she left the courthouse, she was asked whether she would divorce the former senator and replied, "No."

It does appear as though the judge had some pity on her.

"Only" 54 months

Prosecutors were actually looking for a longing prison sentence for Nadine Menendez.

The Hill reports:

Prosecutors said last month she played a “critical role” in the plot, selling his influence not “reluctantly, fleetingly, or on a small scale,” but “eagerly.”  But the 54-month sentence falls short of the 7-year prison term the government asked a judge to impose.

54 months is just over 4 years, which is quite a few short of 7.

The Hill goes on to write:

U.S. District Judge Sidney Stein granted leniency in part because of the trial she endured, her childhood in warworn Lebanon, a history of abusive romantic partners, her health conditions and her age, according to the Associated Press. At the same time, Stein emphasized it was important the sentence be tough enough to deter similar crimes.

Do you think the judge got this one right?