WASHINGTON — The Justice Department is likely to file criminal charges against Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J., for allegedly using his office to help a contributor, according to a source familiar with the investigation.
Menendez has been the subject of an investigation for two years centering on his relationship with Dr. Salomon Melgen, a South Florida ophthalmologist. Menendez acknowledged in 2013 that he flew on Melgen’s jet without reporting the flights as gifts on a financial disclosure form, calling it an “oversight.” After media reports and ethics complaints, Menendez wrote Melgen a check for $58,500 to cover the cost of the flights.
Now the investigation is coming to a close, the source said. A Justice Department spokesman declined to confirm that, saying no charges are likely “in the near future.”
The possible charges were first reported Friday by CNN.
Tricia Enright, communications director for Menendez, said in a statement Friday: “As we have said before, we believe all of the senator’s actions have been appropriate and lawful and the facts will ultimately confirm that. Any actions taken by Sen. Menendez or his office have been to appropriately address public policy issues and not for any other reason.”
