Menendez was sentenced along with two co-conspirators for trading his political influence for gold bars and other goods.

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

Mr. Menendez, a powerful longtime senator from New Jersey, was convicted last year on federal bribery and corruption charges.