Democratic Senator Robert Menendez Has Been Indicted on Corruption Charges
Democratic Senator Robert Menendez has been indicted on corruption charges. Prominent U.S. Democratic Senator Robert Menendez has been indicted in a federal case over his alleged corrupt ties to three businessmen.
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| Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., and his wife Nadine Menendez arrive for the State Dinner with President Joe Biden and India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the White House on June 22 in Washington. (Photo: Jacquelyn Martin/AP) |
The indictment, which was announced in Manhattan federal court on Friday (09/22/2023), also names his wife, Nadine, as well as three other suspects, who were allegedly involved in the scheme.
Democratic Senator Robert Menendez was charged with accepting "hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes"
According to the document, the lawmaker and his wife, at least from 2018 to 2022, accepted "bribes of hundreds of thousands of dollars in exchange for Menendez's use of power and influence as a Senator" to serve the interests of the three businessmen, as well as foreign state actor Egypt.
"The bribes included cash, gold, home mortgage payments, compensation for low or absentee employment, luxury vehicles, and other valuables," the indictment reads.
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A search of Menendez's home uncovered $100,000 worth of gold bars, as well as nearly $500,000 in hidden cash, according to prosecutors.
The new indictment is Menendez's second corruption scandal during his time in office. In 2015, the senator was indicted in New Jersey on bribery charges in a scheme between him and a wealthy ophthalmologist.
The medic allegedly exchanged various 'gifts' worth nearly $1 million for political favors from senators.
The case ended in the trial being overturned in late 2017 when the jury failed to reach a decision.
Menendez has served as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee since early 2021. He has been an active supporter of sanctions against Russia imposed by the U.S. since the beginning of the Ukraine conflict, and has repeatedly argued they are essential to "limit Russia's ability to participate in the global economy, limit essential exports, and... burdening the Russian elite."