Former Sen. Bob Menendez reported to prison Tuesday morning to begin serving an 11-year sentence following his conviction on federal bribery charges.
Menendez surrendered to the Federal Correctional Institution, Schuylkill, in Minersville, Pennsylvania, about three hours away from his home in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey. The facility houses approximately 1,200 inmates and has both a medium and minimum-security prison.
The 71-year-old was supposed to report on June 6, but sources told CBS News New York he wanted to attend his step-daughter’s wedding in Massachusetts.
Former Sen. Bob Menendez convicted of bribery
Julia Demaree Nikhinson / AP 
Menendez was convicted last year of accepting bribes in exchange for political favors, including protecting New Jersey business owners from criminal investigations and meeting with Egyptian officials before helping the country access $300 million in U.S. military aid.
FBI agents searched the his home and found $480,000 in cash, along with gold bars worth an estimated $150,000 and a luxury convertible.
Menendez, who was once chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, resigned his seat a month after his conviction. He had served in the Senate since 2006.
Two business owners were also convicted in the case, and Menendez’s wife, Nadine, was found guilty in April. Her sentencing is set for Sept. 11.
Former Sen. Bob Menendez fights sentencing
Menendez has maintained his innocence. Last week, a federal appears could rejected his latest effort to stay free on bail while he fights to overturn his conviction.
He pleaded for leniency during his sentencing in January, telling the judge, “I am far from a perfect man. I have made more than my share of mistakes and bad decisions. I’ve done far more good than bad.”
Menendez has also appeared to be angling for a pardon from President Trump, aligning himself with the president’s criticisms of the judicial system, particularly in New York City.
“This process is political and it’s corrupted to the core. I hope President Trump cleans up the cesspool and restores the integrity to the system,” Menendez told reporters after his sentencing.
Renee Anderson
contributed to this report.
