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Senator Menendez indicted on corruption charges

WASHINGTON, April 2 (KUNA) -- Democratic Senator of New Jersey Bob Menendez was indicted by the Justice Department on Wednesday for allegedly using his office to assist in the business interests of a friend in exchange for gifts.
"Robert Menendez, a US senator, and Dr. Salomon Melgen, a Florida ophthalmologist, were indicted today in connection with a bribery scheme in which Menendez allegedly accepted gifts from Melgen in exchange for using the power of his Senate office to benefit Melgen's financial and personal interests," Justice Department Spokesperson Peter Carr said in a statement.
Menendez and Melgen were indicted in New Jersey on one count of conspiracy, one count of violating the travel act, eight counts of bribery and three counts of honest services fraud. The Senator also faces a additional count of making false statements.
"Menendez accepted close to USD 1 million worth of lavish gifts and campaign contributions from Melgen in exchange for using the power of his Senate office to influence the outcome of ongoing contractual and Medicare billing disputes worth tens of millions of dollars to Melgen and to support the visa applications of several of Melgen's girlfriends," affirmed the statement.
This is the first criminal charge against a sitting US senator in seven years since the prosecution of Republican Senator Ted Stevens, of Alaska, who was found guilty for improperly taking gifts of up to USD 250,000. (end) ak.gb