Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ) was indicted Wednesday on federal corruption charges.
Federal prosecutors indicted Menendez and a longtime friend and donor, Florida opthalmologist Dr. Salomon Melgen, “in connection with a bribery scheme in which Menendez allegedly accepted gifts from Melgen in exchange for using the power of his Senate office to benefit Melgen’s financial and personal interests,” according to a statement from Justice Department spokesman Peter Carr obtained by CNN.
Menendez and Melgen were each indicted for one count of conspiracy, one count of violating the travel act, eight counts of bribery and three counts of honest services fraud, according to the statement provided to CNN. Menendez was also charged with one count of making false statements.
The indictment came weeks after the Justice Department and FBI telegraphed their intentions to pursue criminal charges against Menendez, who has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.
Menendez plans to hold a press conference Wednesday at 7 p.m. ET.
Read the indictment below:
This post has been updated.
