New Jersey Sen. Robert Menendez could soon face criminal charges brought be the Justice Department, CNN reported on Friday. The investigation focused on political favors allegedly exchanged for political contributions, NPR’s Carrie Johnson confirmed, through a source close to the senator. That donor is reportedly Salomon Melgen, a Florida eye doctor who sent over $600,000 to Menedez’s 2012 campaign, according to NPR.
Menendez, a Democrat, is the highest-ranking Latino lawmaker in congress. Despite being a supporter of comprehensive immigration reform, he’s been no easy friend of the White House. He’s actively opposed President Obama on diplomacy issues such as negotiating with Iran and normalizing relations with Cuba.
Foreign diplomacy is at the center of the DOJ allegations. According to reports, Menendez pressured State Department officials to side with a company affiliated with Melgen. The company, ICSSI, allegedly overcharged for a cargo screening contract in the Dominican Republic, according to the New York Times. Reportedly, Menendez intervened on ICSSI’s behalf, telling the D.R. to honor the contract, via the State Department.
On Friday, Menendez’ communications director Tricia Enright denied all charges, in a Statement.
"As we have said before, we believe all of the Senator's actions have been appropriate and lawful and the facts will ultimately confirm that. Any actions taken by Senator Menendez or his office have been to appropriately address public policy issues and not for any other reason."
UPDATE: Sen. Menendez Addresses Press In Defiance
Hours after the DOJ's allegations were reported, Mendez held a press conference in which he professed his innocence and vowed to stay in office, according to Fox News
“[I have] always conducted myself appropriately and in accordance with the law,” he said. “I fight for things I believe important…and for the people of our country. That’s who I am.
“I am not going anywhere.”
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