Senator Menendez Indicted — Reed and Whitehouse Refuse to Call for Resignation
GoLocalProv News Team
Senator Menendez Indicted — Reed and Whitehouse Refuse to Call for Resignation
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and James Smith, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced on Friday that an Indictment was unsealed this morning charging U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-New Jersey) his wife Nadine Menendez, a/k/a “Nadine Arslanian,” and three New Jersey businessmen, WAEL HANA, a/k/a “Will Hana,” JOSE URIBE, and FRED DAIBES, with participating in a years-long bribery scheme.
Senator Menedez is the chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTThe Indictment alleges that Menendez and his wife accepted hundreds of thousands of dollars of bribes from HANA, URIBE, and DAIBES in exchange for Menendez’s agreement to use his official position to protect and enrich them and to benefit the Government of Egypt.
On Friday, Democratic Governor Phil Murphy called on Menendez to resign from the United States Senate.
GoLocal reached out to both Rhode Island United States Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse, asking if Menendez should resign -- neither responded.
U.S. Senator Bob Menendez issued the following statement on his indictment:
“For years, forces behind the scenes have repeatedly attempted to silence my voice and dig my political grave. Since this investigation was leaked nearly a year ago, there has been an active smear campaign of anonymous sources and innuendos to create an air of impropriety where none exists.
“The excesses of these prosecutors is apparent. They have misrepresented the normal work of a Congressional office. On top of that, not content with making false claims against me, they have attacked my wife for the longstanding friendships she had before she and I even met.
“Those behind this campaign simply cannot accept that a first-generation Latino American from humble beginnings could rise to be a U.S. Senator and serve with honor and distinction. Even worse, they see me as an obstacle in the way of their broader political goals.
“I have been falsely accused before because I refused to back down to the powers that be and the people of New Jersey were able to see through the smoke and mirrors and recognize I was innocent. I have worked every day to repay their trust by fighting to create jobs, strengthen public safety, update infrastructure, and reduce costs for New Jersey families. I have also stood steadfast against dictators around the globe – whether they be in Iran, Cuba, Turkey, or elsewhere – fighting against the forces of appeasement and standing with those who stand for freedom and democracy. I remain focused on continuing this important work and will not be distracted by baseless allegations.
“They wrote these charges as they wanted; the facts are not as presented. Prosecutors did that the last time and look what a trial demonstrates. People should remember that before accepting the prosecutor’s version.
“To my supporters, friends and the community at large, I ask that you recall the other times the prosecutors got it wrong and that you reserve judgment. I am confident that this matter will be successfully resolved once all of the facts are presented and my fellow New Jerseyans will see this for what it is.”