Possible Charges Loom for Senator Bob Menendez

The Justice Department is reportedly nearing the possibility of bringing charges against Senator Bob Menendez, according to sources familiar with the matter. This development comes after a lengthy public-corruption probe.

In the coming weeks, prosecutors are expected to hold meetings with Menendez’s legal team to discuss a final decision. Typically, these late-stage meetings occur when prosecutors believe they have gathered sufficient evidence to proceed with charges.

As a Democrat and New Jersey’s senior senator, Menendez holds a crucial position in the closely divided chamber and serves as the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

The U.S. attorney’s office for the Southern District of New York has been scrutinizing Menendez’s conduct. The investigation has focused on whether the senator or his wife, Nadine Arslanian, received gifts in exchange for political favors.

Additionally, prosecutors have delved into the circumstances surrounding a profitable contract obtained by a New Jersey businessman from Egyptian officials. This contract pertains to certifying halal meat exports. It was reported that Menendez hosted the businessman and Egyptian officials in his office in 2018 before the businessman became the sole certifier of halal meat exported from the U.S. to Egypt the following year.

It is important to note that even if Menendez is charged, he could still continue to serve in the Senate. It was five years ago that he managed to avoid conviction on separate corruption charges.