Bob Menendez, a former US senator, has begun serving an 11-year sentence for accepting bribes and acting as an agent of Egypt. Mocked as “Gold Bar Bob,” Menendez arrived at the Schuylkill federal correctional institution in Pennsylvania, likely to end up in the minimum-security prison camp due to the nature of his crimes. Maintaining his innocence, the 71-year-old’s appeal for bail was rejected, and he has expressed hope for a pardon from President Trump.

Menendez’s conviction stemmed from accepting bribes in exchange for corrupt favors for New Jersey business owners, including protecting them from investigations and aiding Egypt in accessing US military aid. He resigned from the Senate last year after being found guilty, along with two business owners.

Despite a plea for leniency and his lawyers highlighting his rise from poverty to political success, Menendez’s legacy has been tarnished by his corruption conviction. His wife, Nadine Menendez, was also convicted of accepting bribes and awaits sentencing. Menendez’s case underscores the consequences of political corruption and the downfall of a once-prominent figure in American politics.