The Justice Department is preparing to bring criminal corruption charges against Sen. Robert Menendez, a New Jersey Democrat, alleging he used his Senate office to push the business interests of a Democratic donor and friend in exchange for gifts.
Feds prepare corruption charges against Sen. Menendez 01:41
People briefed on the case say Attorney General Eric Holder has signed off on prosecutors' request to proceed with charges, CNN first reported. An announcement could come within weeks. Prosecutors are under pressure in part because of the statute of limitation on some of the allegations.
Menendez told reporters Friday night he has "always conducted myself appropriately and in accordance with the law."
He added: "And I am not going anywhere."
Menendez said that because of an ongoing investigation he couldn't answer questions at the news conference, held in Newark.
The case could pose a high-profile test of the Justice Department's ability to prosecute sitting lawmakers, having already spawned a legal battle over whether key evidence the government has gathered is protected by the Constitution's Speech and Debate clause.
The FBI and prosecutors from the Justice Department's public integrity section, have pursued a variety of allegations against Menendez, who has called the probe part of "smear campaign" against him.
Photos: Politicians behaving badly 13 photos
The government's case centers on Menendez's relationship with Salomon Melgen, a Florida ophthalmologist who the senator has called a friend and political supporter. Melgen and his family have been generous donors to the senator and various committees the senator is associated with.
http://www.cnn.com/2015/03/06/politics/robert-menendez-criminal-corruption-charges-planned/
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