Former New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez was handed an 11-year prison sentence on Wednesday after being convicted of bribery and corruption. The charges stem from a scheme where Menendez allegedly accepted cash, a Mercedes-Benz, and gold bars in exchange for helping three businessmen and the Egyptian government.

This sentencing marks a dramatic downfall for the once-powerful politician, who chaired the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Menendez was found guilty on 16 felony counts last year, making him the first U.S. senator convicted of acting as a foreign agent.

During the trial, prosecutors revealed that FBI agents discovered gold bars and envelopes stuffed with cash during a search of Menendez’s home. Some of the cash was hidden in shoes and a jacket pocket bearing his name. In return for these bribes, Menendez allegedly pressured the USDA over a halal meat certification monopoly, pushed for military aid to Egypt, and tried to tamper with criminal investigations tied to the businessmen involved.

In court, Menendez appeared emotional, stating, “Other than family, I have lost everything I ever cared about. For someone who spent his entire life in public service, every day I’m awake is a punishment.”

Two other individuals involved in the scheme were also sentenced. Real estate developer Fred Daibes received seven years, while Wael Hana, who runs a halal certification business, was sentenced to eight years.

Prosecutors had requested a 15-year sentence for Menendez, calling his actions “a grave breach of public trust.” However, his lawyers argued for leniency, citing his age, decades of public service, and the personal toll the case has taken on him.

This isn’t Menendez’s first brush with the law. In 2015, he faced corruption charges related to bribes from a wealthy ophthalmologist. Though he was acquitted in 2018, this latest conviction has cemented his fall from grace.

Menendez’s wife, Nadine, who was also indicted, is scheduled to stand trial in March after her case was postponed due to a cancer diagnosis.

The sentencing underscores the consequences of abusing power and serves as a stark reminder of the importance of accountability in public office.