Democratic senator for New Jersey Robert Menendez was indicted on federal corruption charges on Wednesday, setting the stage for a bitter court fight and putting his political future in doubt.
Mr Menendez was charged with seven counts of bribery, which carry up to 15 years in prison on each charge. He was also charged with conspiracy, fraud, and making false statements on government documents, the justice department said. Mr Menendez is the first senator to face federal bribery charges since another New Jersey Democrat, Harrison A Williams jnr was indicted in 1980 in the Abscam scandal. The charges had long been expected and Menendez, 61, has promised to fight them. He has offered no indication that he plans to step down or relinquish any power while he goes through that process. The case involves Mr Menendez's long-time friendship with Salomon Melgen, a wealthy Florida eye surgeon and political benefactor. The two men became friends in the 1990s and have spent holidays together in the Dominican Republic, where Dr Melgen (60) has a home in the gated oceanfront resort of Casa de Campo.
Prosecutors say Dr Melgen lavished the senator with gifts, including two round-trip flights worth $58,000 aboard his private jet. In turn, prosecutors say that Mr Menendez used his Senate seat to help Dr Melgen when he, as a member of the finance committee, encouraged the Obama administration to change the Medicare reimbursement policy in a way that would make millions for the doctor.
Mr Menendez said the Medicare debate was a legitimate policy discussion, not a personal favour. The finance committee oversees Medicare finances. He said the gifts he received from Dr Melgen should be reviewed in the context of their long friendship. – (New York Times)