New Jersey Sen. Menendez vows to fight corruption charges


              U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez speaks during a news conference, Wednesday, April 1, 2015, in Newark, N.J. Menendez, the top Democrat on the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, was indicted on corruption charges, accused of using his office to improperly benefit an eye doctor and political donor. (AP Photo/Craig Ruttle)
U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez speaks during a news conference, Wednesday, April 1, 2015, in Newark, N.J. Menendez, the top Democrat on the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, was indicted on corruption charges, accused of using his office to improperly benefit an eye doctor and political donor. (AP Photo/Craig Ruttle)

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) - A defiant New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez says he's "not going anywhere" after he was charged with accepting nearly $1 million in gifts and campaign contributions from a longtime friend in exchange for a stream of political favors.

Menendez is expected to appear in federal court in Newark Thursday in response to charges that he used the power of his Senate seat to benefit Dr. Salomon Melgen.

Prosecutors say the wealthy Florida eye doctor provided the senator with luxury vacations, airline travel and tens of thousands of dollars in contributions to a legal defense fund.

The indictment marks the latest development in a federal investigation that 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.

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