“Let me be very clear: I have always conducted myself appropriately and in accordance with the law,” said U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ) last week after CNN reported in early March that the U.S. Justice Department will likely file charges against him for corruption. “Every action I and my office have taken for the 23 years that I have been privileged to serve in the U.S. Congress has been based on pursuing the best policies for the people of New Jersey and of this entire country.”
According to sources quoted by CNN, the Justice Department is preparing to bring criminal corruption charges against Menendez for allegedly helping promote the business interests of a Democratic donor in exchange for gifts.
The statute of limitations on some of the allegations under investigation may force the Justice Department to file charges soon or lose the opportunity.
The case allegedly involves Menendez’s relationship with Salomon Melgen, a Florida ophthalmologist.
According to published accounts, Menendez allegedly encouraged the Department of Homeland Security not to donate port security equipment to the Dominican Republic while a company connected to Melgen competed for the same $500 million contract for port security services.
News reports also allege that Menendez intervened on Melgen’s behalf with the U.S. Department of Health over a billing dispute with Medicare when Melgen allegedly overbilled the government by $8.9 million. That intervention came after the FBI raided Melgen’s Florida medical offices in 2013.
“Everyone knows he and his family, and me and my family, have been real friends for more than two decades.” – U.S. Senator Robert Menendez
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It was reported years ago that Menendez took plane trips in 2010 to the Dominican Republic as Melgen’s guest. When the details emerged in 2013, Menendez reportedly paid Melgen back $58,000 to cover the cost of the trips, calling it an oversight. Menendez later also reimbursed Melgen for a third flight in 2011. Melgen has donated money to Menendez’s campaigns in the past.
Menendez is considered one of the most prominent Democrats in the U.S. Senate, even though Republicans have taken control. A recent poll showed most voters in New Jersey approve of the job Menendez has done. He also has support from most local Democrats.
Menendez started his political career on the Union City school board and later became mayor of that town. For a few years, he lived in Hoboken.
U.S. Rep. Albio Sires (D-8th Dist.) issued a statement supporting Menendez: “Sen. Robert Menendez has been a colleague and a friend for many years. We have worked closely together on many issues affecting New Jersey residents. I will say today as I have said many times in the past at all times I have found Senator Menendez to be hard working and a dedicated public servant.”
Menendez in his own statement defended his role and the job he’s done as a U.S. Senator.
“Anyone who knows me, knows I fight for the things that are important – like making sure victims of Superstorm Sandy have the tools they need to rebuild their lives, or making certain Iran never, ever achieves the ability to produce nuclear weapons, or ensuring our health care system works for all Americans and is run properly. I’ve always worked to keep New Jersey families safe, keep our ports secure, and keep the promise we made after 9/11 to keep our first responders fully equipped and staffed. There may be no member of Congress who fought harder than me to turn the 9/11 Commission’s recommendations into public law. I fight for the things I believe in and the people of our country every single day.”
Menendez said he is not leaving office as result of the reported charges against him.
“As to Dr. Melgen, everyone knows he and his family, and me and my family, have been real friends for more than two decades. We celebrate holidays together, have been there for family weddings and funerals, and have given each other birthday, holiday, and wedding presents – just as friends do,” Menendez said.
Were his actions beyond normal?
Menendez’s friendship with Melgen reportedly started after the two met at a Florida fundraiser in 1993 when Menendez, New Jersey’s first Hispanic congressman, was running for reelection. Melgen was one of 50 people who attended the $250-per-person dinner. Reports said Melgen donated an additional $500 for that election, but over the 20 years since, Melgen and his family have contributed more than $50,000 directly to Menendez in total.
Reports claim that Menendez benefited, if indirectly, from a $700,000 Melgen contribution to a super political action committee in 2012 from which the Menendez reelection campaign received $580,500.
No wrongdoing found in other charges
Menendez, who is now serving his second full term as senator, was originally appointed to the U.S. Senate by then Gov. Jon Corzine in early 2006. Menendez, a strong supporter of Corzine, took the seat vacated by Corzine’s election as governor.
The charges against Menendez were part of a number of allegations raised over the last few years including allegations that he solicited prostitutes in the Dominican Republic and that he had helped two Ecuadorian banking officials get permanent residency in the U.S. The first allegation collapsed after the supposed prostitutes recanted their story. These allegations were also tainted by reports that people connected to the GOP had alleged scripted video testimony for them.
A report said an FBI investigation found no wrongdoing in connection with the bankers.
The move to charge Menendez may have also been prompted by behind-the-scenes conflicts involving the investigation.
According to one published report, the FBI is trying to obtain emails and testimony from Menendez aides that attorneys for Menendez claim are privileged information protected by the constitutional protections given to members of Congress in carrying out their duties. Some of the aides apparently have refused to answer questions before a federal grand jury.
Al Sullivan may be reached at asullivan@hudsonreporter.com.