New Jersey Senator charged with corruption

onnaedo

April 2, 2015 12:57 PM

The 14 charges include conspiracy and making false statements, as well as 8 counts of bribery.

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New Jersey Senator, Bob Menendez has been charged with 14 counts of corruption, BBC reports.

The Democrat Senator has been accused of using his influence to illegally benefit a Florida eye doctor, who he admits is a long-time friend.

But Menendez has refuted the charges saying he was "outraged" by the charges while dismissing the allegations as false.

He, however, resigned as the top Democrat on the Foreign Relations Committee but vowed he "would not be silenced" as he fights the allegations.

In a press conference, Menendez told a crowd of supporters:

"I am outraged that prosecutors at the Justice Department were tricked into starting this investigation three years ago with false allegations by those who have a political motive to silence me"

He has also been called on to resign his Senate seat.

Menendez, who is considered one of the most influential Hispanic American lawmakers in Congress, and is the lead author of legislation that would tighten sanctions imposed against Iran, has been an outspoken critic of President Barack Obama's policies relating to Iran and Cuba.

onnaedo