Nadine Menendez must report to the Federal Bureau of Prisons by 2 p.m. Friday to begin a 54-month prison term after a judge rejected her attorneys’ last-minute request for an extension, court filings show.
Judge denies extension sought to continue medical care
Menendez, 58, had sought an additional postponement — until Oct. 30 — saying she required time for further medical procedures related to breast cancer treatment. Prosecutors opposed the request, saying the Bureau of Prisons can provide any necessary care and noting they had not been informed of delays in her treatment.
“BOP cares for many inmates with a variety of medical conditions, including conditions that were being handled by outside medical professionals before the inmate surrendered. The same is true here,” prosecutors wrote.
The judge’s denial means Menendez will begin serving the sentence imposed last September, when she was given 4 1/2 years in prison after being convicted in a bribery scheme along with her husband, former U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez.
Conviction, penalties and related developments
Federal prosecutors have said Nadine Menendez participated in taking illicit payments, including cash, gold bars and a luxury automobile, from New Jersey businessmen. The defense has disputed parts of that account, arguing that some gold items were family heirlooms or gifts from longtime acquaintances.
Her husband, Bob Menendez, pleaded guilty to bribery charges, resigned from the U.S. Senate and was sentenced to 11 years in prison; he is serving his sentence at FCI Allenwood Low in Pennsylvania.
| Person | Sentence |
|---|---|
| Nadine Menendez | 54 months |
| Bob Menendez | 11 years |
What remains at issue
- Whether the Bureau of Prisons can accommodate Menendez’s ongoing medical needs after she surrenders.
- How prison medical staff will coordinate any additional procedures she requires.
- Potential enforcement actions or communications between defense counsel and BOP following surrender.
The case underscores the federal court’s limited flexibility in modifying surrender dates once a sentence has been imposed, particularly when prosecutors assert that the Bureau of Prisons is capable of providing continuity of care. Menendez’s lawyers had previously obtained a delay to allow for treatment; this latest bid for more time was the final request reported in court documents.
Menendez is expected to report to designated BOP authorities Friday afternoon to begin serving the sentence imposed by the court.
