Despite being indicted on federal charges relating to bribery, conspiracy, and acting as “an unregistered agent of a foreign government,” Senator Bob Menendez, D-N.J., remains defiant, claiming in a recent interview that “[t]he reality is that I'm innocent.” If you're charged with a federal crime, contact the Criminal Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm at 888-535-3686 or click here to contact us

The Charges Against Senator Menendez

Senator Menendez, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, was indicted on federal corruption charges in September, along with his wife, Nadine Menendez, and a New Jersey businessman named Wael Hana.

The couple is accused of providing sensitive information and exerting political influence in exchange for bribes. The kickbacks comprised lavish gifts, including cash, gold bars, remuneration for no- or low-show jobs, payments toward a home mortgage, a luxury automobile, and other valuable items, together totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars.

An additional charge followed on October 12, when Menendez was accused of conspiracy by acting as “an agent of a foreign principal”—in this case, the government of Egypt—and violating the Foreign Agents Registration Act. This requires people to register with the U.S. government if they serve as agents of foreign governments, but members of Congress are prohibited from acting in such a capacity altogether.

That indictment read, in part, that Menendez “promised to take and took a series of acts on behalf of Egypt, including on behalf of Egyptian military and intelligence officials.”

Senator Menendez has pleaded not guilty to all counts.

Calls for the Congress Member to Step Down

Menendez's colleagues in Congress, other U.S. politicians, world leaders, and foreign-policy pundits have all called on the senator to resign. Among those speaking out in favor of Menendez's resignation are two notable New Jersey names, fellow Democrats Governor Phil Murphy and Senator Cory Booker.

Plenty of private citizens have registered their own disapproval of the democrat's intransigence, leading to a dramatic drop in his approval rating. According to the Stockton Polling Institute, Senator Menendez's job approval figure has plummeted by a whopping 71%, down to only 8%—one of the lowest approval ratings in recent history.

During an interview with David Cruz of N.J. Spotlight News on October 26, however, the embroiled politician dug in his heels, saying that he has no intention of stepping down. He also declined to respond in any detail when asked by Cruz to give his side of the story or to elaborate on what transpired between himself, his wife, Hana, and other New Jersey businessmen with ties to Egypt.

Help for Those Accused of Bribery or Conspiracy

Cases involving conspiracy, bribery, or general corruption are notoriously tricky ones—on both sides. If you've been accused of committing a white-collar crime, it's critical to secure the services of a law firm that has extensive experience in dealing with these specific cases. Call the Criminal Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 or click here to contact us.