The senior senator was charged with accepting gold bars and over $500,000 in cash.
Senator Bob Menendez said he will remain in office on Monday after a number of peers called for his resignation over the weekend. Federal prosecutors charged Senator Menendez and his wife with accepting bribes to interfere with law enforcement probes into Egyptian businessmen.
Prosecutors alleged that the senator accepted gold bars and around $566,000 in cash to accomplish this request. The indictment also includes photos of gold bars seized from the senator’s home, along with envelopes that had his name on them filled with cash found inside some of the jackets hanging in his closet.
Senator Menendez serves for the state of New Jersey and New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy was one of many people calling for his resignation. “The alleged facts are so serious that they compromise the ability of Senator Menendez to effectively represent the people of our state,” stated Governor Murphy, who would appoint a temporary replacement for Senator Menendez were he to vacate the office.
But Senator Menendez said, “I firmly believe that when all the facts are presented, not only will I be exonerated, but I still will be New Jersey’s senior senator.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For federal prosecutors and law enforcement as they conduct their investigation and argue the case.
- For Senator Menendez and his wife to be forthcoming regarding business dealings and cooperate with transparency.
- For the truth to be revealed and appropriate action to result.
Sources: Reuters, CNBC
