Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., walks through the Senate subway on his way to a vote in the Capitol, in Washington, D.C., May 4, 2023.
Bill Clark | Cq-roll Call, Inc. | Getty Images
WASHINGTON — Sen. Robert Menendez vows to remain in the Senate amidst federal charges of bribery and extortion. This marks the second time the New Jersey Democrat faces corruption charges while serving as a senator.
According to Democratic caucus rules, any committee chair “charged with a felony shall immediately step aside”. While being prosecuted, Menendez will relinquish his committee chairmanship but retain his seat in Congress.
Menendez states, “I remain focused on continuing this important work and will not be distracted by baseless allegations.”
Sen. Menendez and his wife, Nadine Menendez, face three criminal charges each after a federal investigation revealed their acceptance of bribes. The charges allege that they used Menendez’s power and influence to protect and benefit three business associates in New Jersey.
The indictment claims that the bribes included cash, gold, mortgage payments, compensation for Nadine’s low-or-no-show job, a luxury vehicle, and other valuable items.
Damian Williams, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, speaks during a press conference after announcing that U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ) was indicted on corruption charges at the SDNY office on September 22, 2023 in New York City.
Alexi J. Rosenfeld | Getty Images
In response to the charges, Menendez defiantly accuses prosecutors of misrepresenting the normal work of a congressional office and attacking his wife’s friendships.
This counterargument aligns with Menendez’s defense during his previous corruption charges in 2015, which ultimately resulted in a mistrial.
Despite the incriminating evidence presented by prosecutors, the convictions of Menendez and his co-defendants are far from guaranteed. Recent high-profile corruption cases have contributed to stricter standards for evidence in political corruption trials.
For instance, the conviction of former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell was overturned by the Supreme Court due to a narrow definition of what constitutes an official act. Similarly, former U.S. Rep. William Jefferson had seven of his ten charges dropped and was released from prison based on the same precedent.
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