Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ) Faces New Allegations of Bribery in Superseding Indictment from Manhattan Federal Prosecutors

Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ) is facing new allegations of bribery in a superseding indictment from Manhattan federal prosecutors. The indictment, which does not charge Menendez with any additional crimes, includes 15 paragraphs of new allegations that accuse the senator of using his position as head of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to benefit the government of Qatar.

The indictment also alleges that Menendez continued to participate in the purported bribery scheme long after FBI agents first approached him in the investigation. Menendez and his wife, Nadine, are charged with four counts related to an alleged bribery scheme in which prosecutors say they accepted lavish gifts in exchange for using his power and influence as a U.S. senator to benefit three businessmen and Egypt’s government.

The latest indictment alleges Menendez assisted one of the businessmen, who was not identified, in obtaining a U.S. visa for a foreign national. It also accuses Menendez of intervening with the State Department to help the businessman secure a meeting with a foreign official.

The indictment also alleges that Menendez accepted a series of gifts from the businessman, including a luxury vacation to the Dominican Republic and a $10,000 check. In exchange, prosecutors say, Menendez used his influence to help the businessman with a real estate project in New Jersey.

Menendez has denied any wrongdoing and has vowed to fight the charges. He is scheduled to go to trial in October. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison.