New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez is facing a dozen new criminal charges in connection with an alleged bribery scheme involving his wife and three New Jersey businessmen. The indictment accuses Menendez of accepting bribes in the form of cash, gold bars, a Mercedes convertible, and a no-show job in exchange for using his influence to benefit the businessmen and the governments of Egypt and Qatar.
Among the new charges are four counts of conspiracy, acting as a foreign agent, committing honest services wire fraud, conspiracy to obstruct justice, and obstruction of justice. These charges add to Menendez's existing legal troubles and significantly increase his potential liability in the case.
Despite the mounting charges, Menendez has vehemently denied any wrongdoing and has refused to step down as senator. He has challenged the prosecutors' allegations, asserting his loyalty to the U.S. and denying any involvement in acting as a foreign agent.
A judge recently denied Menendez's request to suppress evidence obtained from search warrants executed at his homes in New Jersey and Washington, D.C., as well as from his cell phones. The evidence, including the cash and gold bars, will be used by the government in its case against him.
These new charges come on the heels of one of the businessmen involved in the scheme pleading guilty and agreeing to cooperate with prosecutors. This development may have prompted the filing of the additional charges against Menendez.
Menendez's camp has not yet responded to requests for comment, but the senator has maintained his innocence and pleaded not guilty to the previous charges brought against him.
