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US federal prosecutors on Friday indicted New Jersey Democratic Senator Robert “Bob” Menendez and his wife Nadine Arslanian on charges of bribery.
Prosecutors had brought a separate similar case against Menendez, 69, six years ago yet failed to win a conviction when the jury remained deadlocked over the question of his guilt.
The new charges were filed after federal investigators turned up nearly $600,000 (roughly €560,000) in gold and cash hidden at Menendez and Arslanian’s home during a search.
Menendez, who has served in the State for three decades, now faces the ignominy of being the only sitting US senator to ever be charged in two separate felony crimes as he runs for re-election next year.
President Joe Biden‘s Democratic party currently holds a razor thin 51-49 majority in the Senate.
Three counts of bribery each, prosecutors seek asset forfeiture
Menendez and his wife are accused of having received cash, gold, mortgage payments, compensation for a job with minimal requirements, a luxury car and other gifts in exchange for Menendez’ help in various legal and political instances.
Both Menendez and Arslanian face three counts each of conspiracy to commit bribery, conspiracy to commit honest services fraud, and conspiracy to commit extortion under color of official right.
Prosecutors say they are seeking the forfeiture of Menendez and Arslanian’s assets — including their New Jersey home, a 2019 Mercedes-Benz, and roughly $566,000 in cash, gold and bank funds.
Neither the senator’s office nor legal counsel have responded to the charges. Menendez first publicly disclosed that he was the subject of a new federal investigation last October.
Senate Historical Office records show that a total of 13 senators have ever been indicted while in office. Six were convicted, but two of those convictions were overturned.
This is a developing story, more to come …
js/msh (AP, Reuters)
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