Senator Menendez and his wife are indicted for corruption

Democratic US Senator Robert Menendez, indicted on bribery charges related to his dealings with three New Jersey businessmenfederal prosecutors said Friday.

The US Attorney’s Office in Manhattan indicted the Menendez couple on charges that they accepted thousands of dollars in bribes in exchange for Menendez’s influence in the senate for the benefit of businessmen and the Egyptian government.

Specifically, the 39-page indictment alleges that as of 2018, Menendez and his wife have accepted hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes in exchange for using the senator’s power and influence to enrich and protect businessmen Wael Hana, Jose Uribe and Fred Daibes, but also for the benefit of the Egyptian government.

The bribes allegedly included cash, gold, mortgage payments, compensation for “little or no work,” a luxury vehicle and “other things of value,” according to the indictment. Prosecutors included photos of cash and two of the gold bars they say were seized during a search of Menendez’s home and a safe in June 2022:

It had been known for some time that Mr. Menendez was under federal surveillance and had said that he was willing to help investigators and that he was confident that the matter would be “closed successfully.”

Senate Democratic Caucus rules require Menendez to step down as chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, but he can still serve on the committee.

The indictment is almost certain to have an impact in Washington and New Jersey.

Menendez already faces at least one Democratic challenger for re-election to a fourth Senate termwhile and the Republican mayor of Mendham Borough, NJ, has also announced she will run.

If Menendez leaves before the end of his term, New Jersey’s Democratic governor, Philip D. Murphy, is in charge of appointing his successor.

Damian Williamsthe US Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Mr James Smiththe assistant director in charge of the FBI’s New York office, are set to announce the indictment at a press conference on Friday local time.

This isn’t the first time Menendez has been in trouble with the law. In 2015, Menendez was indicted in New Jersey for bribing a wealthy eye doctor to do him political favors. The bribe involved gifts of about $1 million, including luxury Caribbean vacations and campaign contributions. Menendez’s corruption trial ended with the commission unable to reach a verdict, declaring a mistrial.

The judge later acquitted Mr. Menendez of several charges, and the Justice Department dismissed the rest.

As chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, Mr. Menendez is one of Washington’s most influential Democrats.

Menendez: Forces behind the scenes are trying to silence me

Bob Menendez recently weighed in on his impeachment, saying:

“For years, behind-the-scenes forces have repeatedly tried to silence my voice and dig my political grave. Since this investigation was leaked nearly a year ago, there has been an active smear campaign with anonymous sources and innuendo to create an environment of impeachment where there is none.
The excesses of these prosecutors are obvious. They have misrepresented the normal work of a congressional office. As if the false accusations against me were not enough, they have also attacked my wife for the friendly relations she had long before we met.
Those behind this campaign simply cannot accept that a first generation Latino from humble beginnings can rise to the office of US Senator and serve with honor and dignity. Worse, they see me as an obstacle to their larger political goals.
I have been falsely accused, and before I allowed the powers that be to bring me down, the citizens of New Jersey were able to discern that I was innocent. I have worked every day to repay their trust by fighting to create jobs, strengthen public safety, upgrade infrastructure and lower costs for New Jersey families. Also, I am steadfast against dictators around the world – be they in Iran, Cuba, Turkey or elsewhere – fighting against the forces of appeasement and standing by those who defend Freedom and Democracy. I remain focused on continuing this important work and will not be distracted by baseless accusations.
To my supporters, friends and the community at large, I ask that you remember the other times prosecutors got it wrong and use your judgment. I am confident that this case will be successfully resolved when all the facts are presented and my fellow New Jerseyans will see this for what it is.”