Sen. Menendez Trial: Judge Won’t Dismiss Charges, Reports Say

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — A federal judge won't dismiss any of the criminal charges that threaten to derail the career of U.S. Senator and Democrat heavyweight Robert Menendez of New Jersey, reports say.

Attorneys for Menendez - who is accused of offering a friend political favors in exchange for lavish gifts and campaign contributions - had argued that a previous U.S. Supreme Court decision that overturned the conviction of former Virginia governor Robert McDonnell also applies to Menendez’s case, NJ.com reported.

On Monday, U.S. District Judge William Walls declined to dismiss the charges against Menendez, paving the way for his bribery trial to enter the defense phase. Read the full report here.

It’s been more than two years since federal officials first announced the criminal allegations facing Menendez, a veteran Democrat lawmaker from New Jersey. Since then, Menendez — who is up for reelection in 2018 — has kept his seat as the Garden State’s senior senator while the legal wheels spin.

Menendez’s high-profile trial kicked off in Newark on Sept. 6.

• See related article: Sen. Menendez Corruption Trial (What We Know So Far)

WHAT’S MENENDEZ ACCUSED OF?

Menendez’s trial represents a rare event in recent U.S. history: a sitting senator facing felony charges.

Menendez, identified as a Paramus resident in a Department of Justice statement, was indicted in April 2015 on charges of conspiracy, violating the travel act, bribery, honest services fraud and making false statements.

According to prosecutors, Menendez allegedly conspired with Salomon Melgen, a Florida ophthalmologist, 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, Menendez received almost $1 million worth of lavish gifts and campaign contributions, prosecutors stated.

• See related article: Menendez Indicted On Corruption Charges
• See related article: Senator's Alleged Wrongdoings Run Gamut of Illegal Activity

The list of alleged gifts includes flights on Melgen’s private jet, numerous vacations at Melgen’s Caribbean villa in the Dominican Republic and a hotel room in Paris, $40,000 in contributions to his legal defense fund and more than $750,000 in campaign contributions.

Menendez never disclosed any of the reportable gifts that he received from Melgen on his legally required financial disclosure forms, prosecutors stated.

In April, a federal jury in South Florida convicted Melgen of 67 criminal counts of fraud in a separate case that also involved Medicare.

If Menendez is found guilty, it could have significant effects on the political landscape in the Senate. A pressing point: if Menendez steps down from his position, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie would be able to nominate a fellow Republican in his place.

The trial may also have ramifications for his reelection chances next year. In April, a Morning Consult Governor Approval survey stated that Menendez was one of the most unpopular politicians in the nation with an approval rating that dipped below 40 percent.

• See related article: NJ Has 2 Of The Most Unpopular Public Officials In America

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Photo: menendez.senate.gov