TRENTON, N.J. (AP) – Sen. Bob Menendez’s legal defense fund raised nearly $1.3 million up until the day before he was indicted on bribery and corruption charges, including $10,000 from a retired New Jersey developer who served two years in prison for making illegal kickbacks.
Menendez’s fund also received $10,000 from the wife of the developer, Joseph Barry, and another $130,000 from executives of the development firm founded by Barry’s two sons, and their families, according to a review by The Associated Press of financial disclosure forms filed with the IRS and Senate.
The fund had paid for about $850,000 in legal expenses through March 31, the day before he was indicted on 14 counts accusing him of using his influence to help a Florida eye doctor in exchange for lavish vacations and campaign donations. He has pleaded not guilty and has vowed to fight the charges. Contributions and expenses made after March 31 aren’t yet publicly available.
Menendez’s chief of staff, Fred Turner, called the Barrys “longtime friends and supporters of the senator” and said that Menendez has no issue accepting money from them.
“He is deeply appreciative for their support and their friendship,” Turner said Thursday.