by Nikita Biryukov, New Jersey Monitor
September 22, 2023
(This news story was originally published in New Jersey Monitor. Click the link for the original article.)
Federal authorities have indicted U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez for the second time, charging him with conspiracy to commit bribery and related offenses over his alleged aid to a North Jersey businessman and attempt to disrupt criminal probes into allies.
Menendez, a Democrat facing reelection next year, was charged with one count each of conspiracy to commit bribery, conspiracy to commit honest services fraud, and conspiracy to commit extortion under the color of official right.
Authorities accused the senator and his wife, Nadine Menendez, of accepting hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes in exchange for official favors meant to aid three men — Wael Hana, Jose Uribe, and Fred Daibes.
Some of the bribes were paid in gold or a luxury vehicle, among other things, authorities said. Menendez has previously denied any wrongdoing.
Friday’s charges mark the second time federal authorities have lodged a criminal case against Menendez. A previous 2017 corruption trial ended with a deadlocked jury.
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