New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez indicted on 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. 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.

By Associated Press April 1, 2015 5 min read

WASHINGTON – Sen. Bob Menendez, the son of Cuban immigrants who rose to become one of the highest-ranking Hispanic members of Congress, was charged Wednesday with accepting nearly $1 million worth of gifts and campaign contributions from a longtime friend in exchange for a stream of political favors.

Menendez predicted he would be “vindicated” and said “this is not how my career is going to end” in a defiant statement in front of reporters and cheering supporters Wednesday evening.

“I am not going anywhere. I’m angry and ready to fight because today contradicts my public service and my entire life,” he said.

A federal grand jury indictment accuses the New Jersey Democrat of using the power of his Senate seat to benefit Dr. 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.

The indictment from a federal grand jury in Newark contains 14 counts – including bribery, conspiracy and false statements – against Menendez and also charges Melgen, a political donor to Menendez and other Democrats.