NEW JERSEY, Apr 3: Prominent Democratic Senator Bob Menendez has pleaded not guilty to charges that he accepted nearly USD 1 million in gifts and campaign contributions from a long-time friend in exchange for a stream of political favours.
An attorney for Menendez entered the plea yesterday before a federal judge in Newark, one day after he promised to be vindicated and declared that he’s “not going anywhere.”
The criminal charges brought cloud to the political future of the top Democrat and former chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, who has played a leading role in Congress on matters involving Iran’s nuclear program and US efforts to improve ties with Cuba.
The indictment alleges Menendez used the power of his Senate seat to benefit Salomon Melgen, a wealthy Florida eye doctor who prosecutors say provided the senator with luxury vacations, airline travel, golf trips and tens of thousands of dollars in contributions to a legal defense fund.
Melgen also entered a not guilty plea, and Judge William Walls set a tentative July 13 trial date. He remains free but had to surrender his passport.
The investigation that led to the indictment came into public view when federal authorities raided Melgen’s medical offices in 2013. It will almost certainly lead to a drawn-out legal fight between Menendez and a team of Justice Department prosecutors who have spent years investigating his ties to Melgen.
It will require prosecutors to prove that a close and long-time friendship between the men was used for criminal purposes, and it is likely to revive the legal debate about the constitutional protections afforded to members of Congress for acts they take in office, which Menendez has already signaled as a possible line of defense.
Menendez said he would temporarily step aside from his role as top Democrat on the Foreign Relations Committee but appeared more defiant than ever at a news conference Wednesday.
“I am not going anywhere. I’m angry and ready to fight because today contradicts my public service and my entire life,” Menendez told reporters. (AGENCIES)
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