Part 5/8:
Inside the courtroom, the atmosphere was charged with emotion. During his plea, Menendez listed his numerous achievements as a senator, arguing for a lesser sentence as a reflection of his long-standing dedication to public service. While he had garnered support from over 130 letters of recommendation, the prosecution's stance was firm; they argued for a 15-year sentence, claiming the depth of Menendez's crimes bypassed the positives he accumulated throughout his career.