Menendez and Wife Indicted on Bribery Charges
Indictment Alleges Cash, Gold Bars, and Vacation Gifts Given
Trial Scheduled for November 13
NEW YORK (AP) — Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J., and his wife, Nadine Arslanian, were indicted Thursday on charges that they took bribes of cash, gold bars, and luxury vacations from a wealthy Florida eye doctor in exchange for using their influence to advance his business interests.
The indictment alleges that Menendez, 61, accepted more than $1 million in bribes from Salomon Melgen, a prominent ophthalmologist and political donor, while Arslanian, 45, received more than $140,000 in gifts, including trips to Paris, Dubai, and the Dominican Republic.
According to the indictment, Menendez used his position as a U.S. senator to pressure government officials on Melgen's behalf, including intervening in a Medicare billing dispute and assisting in the renewal of Melgen's visa for the Dominican Republic.
Menendez and Arslanian pleaded not guilty to the charges at a court appearance in Newark on Friday. They were released on bail and are scheduled to stand trial on November 13.
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