US Corruption Watch

Another Democratic Senator expected to be charged



Menendez Expected to Face Federal Corruption Charges

Quote:

Originally Posted by NYT WASHINGTON — The Justice Department expects to file corruption charges against Senator Robert Menendez, Democrat of New Jersey, a law enforcement official said Friday, culminating an investigation that has dogged the senator for two years. The investigation has focused on his relationship with a Florida eye doctor who is a longtime friend and political benefactor. Federal prosecutors said Mr. Menendez did political favors for the doctor, Salomon Melgen. The investigation began with a tip — unproven and vehemently disputed by Mr. Menendez — that Dr. Melgen had helped pay for underage prostitutes for Mr. Menendez in the Dominican Republic. The women who made the accusations ultimately recanted, but the F.B.I. continued to investigate. The Justice Department is looking in particular at whether Mr. Menendez improperly tried to persuade Medicare to change its reimbursement policies in a way that would make millions of dollars for Dr. Melgen. Dr. Melgen was in the midst of a billing dispute with the government over his reimbursement for Lucentis, a costly medication used to treat macular degeneration. Mr. Menendez has acknowledged urging the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to change its reimbursement policy but said he considered the policy unfair.

US Corruption Watch