Another powerful Democratic leader in Washington is facing federal criminal investigations. Sen. Robert Menendez of New Jersey is facing criminal charges again according to Semafor reporter Kadia Goba and an aide to the senator.
“Senator Menendez is aware of an investigation that was reported on today, however he does not know the scope of the investigation,” said Menendez spokesperson Michael Soliman.
“As always, should any official inquiries be made, the Senator is available to provide any assistance that is requested of him or his office.”
It was reported by Semafor that federal prosecutors from Manhattan reached out to Menendez about the probe and sent out at least one subpoena related to their investigation.
The New York Times released an interview by prosecutors with an attorney in New Jersey named Antranig Aslanian. This attorney knows Menendez and said he is aware of at least two other people who were subpoenaed in the case.
Menendez was previously indicted on corruption and bribery charges in 2015. The Justice Department’s Public Integrity Unit accused that he traded political favors for personal benefits these benefits included luxury vacations and expensive flights. A jury did not reach a verdict in the case and the judge declared a mistrial. Prosecutors ended up dropping the case.
A popular ophthalmologist in Florida was accused of bribing Menendez, but he was also convicted for a massive Medicare scam that cheated the government out of $90 million. His sentence was commuted by then-President Donald Trump.
The Senate admonished Menendez for receiving gifts from the doctor.
According to Semafor, the new investigation is very similar to the previous case, but it also involves a new set of people.
Menendez, 68 years old, is the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and has represented New Jersey in the U.S. Senate since 2006.
Watch this clip on the investigation:
