Feds Probe Sen. Bob Menendez Of NJ – Again, Reports Say

NEW JERSEY — U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey is facing a probe from federal investigators – again, reports say.

The new investigation is reportedly separate but broadly similar to a federal trial that took place in 2017, which accused Menendez of bribery and corruption. Digital news outlet Semafor was the first to report on the latest probe, citing two people familiar with the investigation. According to the report, the new case does not involve Salomon Melgen, the Florida ophthalmologist who was Menendez's co-defendant five years ago.

An advisor for Menendez has since released a statement to Semafor and other outlets:

“Senator Menendez is aware of an investigation that was reported on today, however he does not know the scope of the investigation. As always, should any official inquiries be made, the senator is available to provide any assistance that is requested of him or his office.”

The scope of the investigation is currently unclear, CNN reported Wednesday afternoon, adding that the probe is being conducted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.

The latest investigation may complicate Menendez’s potential re-election campaign in 2024, Politico reported.

PREVIOUS INVESTIGATION, TRIAL

Prosecutors had previously alleged that Menendez conspired with Melgen to use the power of his senate office to influence the outcome of ongoing contractual and Medicare billing disputes worth tens of millions of dollars to Melgen. In addition, Menendez allegedly supported the visa applications of several of Melgen's girlfriends.

In exchange, the senator allegedly received almost $1 million worth of lavish gifts and campaign contributions, prosecutors said.

Following his indictment in 2015, Menendez proclaimed that he was "angry, ready to fight and not going anywhere." Menendez's legal team asserted that Melgen's generosity was simply his way of sharing his wealth with a close friend.

"The Justice Department doesn't know the difference between corruption and friendship," Menendez said at the time. "I will be vindicated."

Menendez pleaded not guilty, and a mistrial was declared after a deadlocked jury failed to reach a unanimous verdict after eight days of deliberations. The charges against Menendez were dismissed in 2018. Read More: After Mistrial, Menendez Thanks God, Kids, Jury, Lawyers (VIDEO)

In 2017, a federal jury in South Florida convicted Melgen of 67 criminal counts of fraud in a separate case that also involved Medicare. Former President Donald Trump commuted his sentence during his last days in office.

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