N.J. Sen. Robert Menendez To Face 'Criminal Corruption Charges'

The U.S. Justice Department will be filing “criminal corruption charges” against New Jersey Sen. Robert Menendez within a few weeks, according to media reports.

CNN stated that the Justice Department is alleging that Menendez used his position as a U.S. senator to “push the business interests of a Democratic donor and friend in exchange for gifts.”

The Justice Department expects to file corruption charges against Menendez, a Democrat, as part of an investigation that has impacted the senator for two years, according to The New York Times.

The investigation has focused on his relationship with a Florida eye doctor, Salomon Melgen, a longtime friend and political benefactor for whom Menendez allegedly did political favors, according to the report.

In a statement, Menendez denied wrongdoing and vowed to defend himself against any potential charges.

“Let me be very clear: I have always conducted myself appropriately and in accordance with the law. Every action I and my office have taken for the 23 years that I have been privileged to serve in the US Congress has been based on pursuing the best policies for the people of New Jersey and of this entire country.

“Anyone who knows me, knows I fight for the things that are important – like making sure victims of Superstorm Sandy have the tools they need to rebuild their lives or making certain Iran never, ever achieves the ability to produce nuclear weapons,or ensuring our health care system works for all Americans and is run properly...

“That’s who I am. And I’m not going anywhere.

“As to Dr. Melgen, everyone knows he and his family, and me and my family, have been real friends for more than two decades. We celebrate holidays together, have been there for family weddings and funerals, and have given each other birthday, holiday, and wedding presents – just as friends do.

Menedez’s relationship with Melgan raised concerns two years ago when Megan’s office was raided.

The FBI raided Melgen’s office, who is known to be a donor of the New Jersey senator, after Menendez was re-elected in a landslide in November 2012.

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