Senator Bob Menendez Charged with Corruption, Facing Calls to Resign
Senator Bob Menendez of New Jersey has been charged with secretly aiding the authoritarian government of Egypt and attempting to obstruct a criminal prosecution in exchange for personal gain, according to a corruption indictment. The powerful senator, previously the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has denied the allegations and stated that he will not resign from Congress. However, several prominent figures, including New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, have called for his immediate resignation.
This is the second indictment in eight years against Menendez, who is accused of using his foreign affairs influence to advance his personal interests with wealthy businessmen. The charges also involve his wife and three New Jersey businessmen, who allegedly provided money, gold, and a luxury car in exchange for official favors.
Menendez’s previous indictment ended in a mistrial in 2017. Prosecutors allege that during a search of his home last year, they found over $100,000 worth of gold bars and more than $480,000 in cash, some of which was hidden in closets and clothing. Photos included in the indictment show cash found in envelopes bearing Menendez’s name.
Among the allegations, Menendez is accused of interfering in criminal investigations and attempting to meddle in a separate criminal investigation by the New Jersey Attorney General’s office. He is also accused of advocating for Egypt despite concerns over the country’s human rights record, including ghost-writing a letter to fellow senators urging them to release $300 million in aid to the country.
Menendez’s trial on charges related to a Florida eye doctor, who had given him gifts and campaign contributions, ended in a hung jury. He is up for re-election next year as Democrats maintain a narrow majority in the Senate.
Despite the charges, menendez maintains his innocence and has accused prosecutors of misrepresenting his work in a congressional office. His wife’s lawyer has stated that she denies any criminal conduct and will fight the charges in court.
The White House has declined to comment on the indictment, and lawyers for the businessmen accused in the case have questioned the validity of the charges. Menendez’s trial is set to take place soon.
By Jake Offenhartz, Eric Tucker, and Alanna Durkin Richer | Published on AP News.
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