![]() Menendez faced charges of conspiracy, bribery, and honest services fraud related to allegedly abusing the power of his office that could carry decades in prison. “His trial shed light on serious accusations of violating the public’s trust as an elected official, as well as potential violations of the Senate’s Code of Conduct.” “(Menendez) is one of only 12 US senators to have been indicted in our history,” McConnell said. Chris Christie – who leaves office on Janu– could select the senator’s replacement if he were to resign or be removed from the Senate.īut shortly after the verdict, Senate Majority Leader McConnell, R-Kentucky, called for a Senate Ethics Committee investigation. “The Department will carefully consider next steps in this important matter and report to the court at the appropriate time.”Īny delay in refiling charges at this point helps Democrats who want to hold onto his Senate seat and virtually eliminates any realistic possibility that Republican Gov. “The Department of Justice appreciates the jury’s service in this lengthy trial,” DOJ spokesperson Nicole Navas said. Prosecutors did not immediately announce whether they will refile charges against Menendez. “To those who were digging my political grave so that they could jump into my seat, I know who you are, and I won’t forget you,” he said. Menendez also had harsh words for those who predicted his political doom. “Certain elements of the FBI and of our state cannot understand or, even worse, accept that the Latino kid from Union City and Hudson County can grow up and be a US senator and be honest.” “The way this case started was wrong, the way it was investigated was wrong, the way it was prosecuted was wrong, and the way it was tried was wrong as well,” he said. “I want to thank the jury, 12 New Jerseyans who saw through the government’s false claims and used their Jersey common sense to reject it,” he told reporters outside the courthouse before blasting the Justice Department. The mistrial is a blow to the Justice Department, which has been investigating Menendez for nearly five years, and will be a sigh of relief to Democrats worried about possibly losing his Senate seat to Republicans. (Photo by Eduardo Munoz Alvarez/Getty Images) Eduardo Munoz Alvarez/Getty Images North America/Getty ImagesĮxcused Menendez juror predicts 'hung jury,' passes note to judge Menendez is accused of accepting bribes in regard to his relationship with campaign donor Salomon Melgen, a Florida-based ophthalmologist. Robert Menendez (D-NJ) speaks to the media as he arrives at federal court for his trial on corruption charges on Septemin Newark, New Jersey.
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