New Jersey Democrat Senator Bob Menendez has recently pleaded not guilty to a new indictment that charges him and his wife with bribery and obstruction of justice. The accusations involve accepting hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes from international countries. This marks the third time Menendez has entered a not guilty plea in relation to bribery charges.
The embattled Democratic lawmaker is facing allegations of obstructing justice as his corruption trial approaches. Last year, he was charged with accepting bribes in the form of cash, a Mercedes, and gold bars to impede law enforcement investigations related to accusations of illegally acting as an agent of the Egyptian government.
The latest indictment states that Menendez falsely informed federal prosecutors in Manhattan that the payments he received were intended to repay loans for a mortgage and car expenses, rather than bribes. The new charges include additional counts of bribery and extortion.
Despite calls for his resignation, Menendez has chosen to remain in the Senate. He temporarily stepped down as the chairman of the Senate's foreign relations committee following last year's charges. Menendez, his wife Nadine, and two businessmen are scheduled to stand trial on May 6th, all maintaining their not guilty pleas. A fifth businessman has pleaded guilty and is cooperating with authorities.
Several candidates, including Tammy Murphy, the wife of New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, are vying for Menendez's seat. Menendez, who made no comments as he left court today, is set to face trial in May as prosecutors continue to add bribery charges against him.
