Robert Menendez, once a towering figure in New Jersey and Washington politics, has seen his legacy unravel in spectacular fashion. The former senator was sentenced to 11 years in prison this week after being convicted of bribery and corruption. It’s a stunning fall for a man who helped rebuild after Hurricane Sandy, championed the creation of a Smithsonian museum for Latino history, and shaped U.S. foreign policy.

Now, though, his name will forever be tied to two bizarre symbols: gold bars and halal meat. Jurors in his trial literally held the gold bars recovered from his home during deliberations, sealing his fate as a man who peddled his influence for personal gain.

Adding to the drama, Menendez’s defense team tried to pin the blame on his wife, painting a picture of a senator duped by his partner in a scheme involving—of all things—halal meat exports. Needless to say, the strategy didn’t work.

Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie summed it up best: “Bob Menendez is going to be remembered for lowering the standards of public life even further.”

It’s a cautionary tale of power, greed, and the unexpected twists that can bring even the mightiest figures crashing down.