Judge tosses four bribery counts in Sen. Menendez indictment
U.S. Senator Robert Menendez. (AP file photo)
A federal judge has dismissed four bribery counts against U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey and an associate.
Menendez and Florida eye doctor Salomon Melgen each faced two of the counts stemming from two $20,000 donations made by Melgen to a legal defense fund that benefited Menendez.
Menendez and Melgen were named in a 22-count indictment that accused the longtime Democratic congressman of accepting campaign donations and gifts from Melgen in exchange for political influence.
The judge denied the pair’s claims in motions to dismiss the indictment that prosecutors gave improper instructions and made false statements to the grand jury.
The judge also rejected Menendez’s argument that his actions were protected under a clause in the Constitution that shields elected officials from being questioned by prosecutors about legislative work.
WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.
Union asks judge to dismiss anti-smoking lawsuit targeting Atlantic City casinos
Local 54 of the Unite Here union says many of its 10,000 workers could lose their jobs and the means to support their families if smoking were banned.
6 hours ago
Campus Gaza protests: Here’s what’s happening in Philly, N.J. and Delaware
Here’s the local view of the national outpouring of college students speaking out against America’s involvement in the Israel-Hamas war.
2 days ago
A South Jersey county is asking artists to create trolls made from recycled materials
Burlington County officials are looking to promote art and recycling with a new Troll Trek initiative.
3 days ago
Listen 1:12