It seems like the drama never ends on Capitol Hill. The latest episode? Embattled Democratic Senator Bob Menendez and his wife, Nadine Menendez, have been hit with an 18-count indictment charge for obstruction of justice. Now, isn’t that a mouthful? The charges are tied to a bribery scheme involving Egypt and Qatar. CNN reported that these new charges came just days after one of the New Jersey businessmen previously indicted alongside Menendez agreed to plead guilty and cooperate with the investigation. Talk about a political plot twist.
It seems these aren’t your run-of-the-mill charges either. Conspiracy, obstruction of justice, acting as a foreign agent, bribery, extortion, and wire fraud are all on the menu. And let’s not forget, Menendez was already facing four counts of conspiracy related to bribery, fraud, and acting as a foreign agent.
Back in January, Menendez was slapped with a second superseding indictment for singing Qatar’s praises in exchange for luxury watches. Because who wouldn’t want to compromise their integrity for a shiny new timepiece, right?
And just when you thought this story couldn’t get any juicier, it turns out that Menendez was charged in October for secretly aiding the Government of Egypt. This was followed by another indictment accusing him and his wife of accepting bribes in the form of cash, gold, home mortgage payments, jobs, and cars. I mean, seriously, is there anything this guy won’t do for a quick buck?
According to US Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Damian Williams, Nadine Menendez was also given a “no-show” or “low-show” job, a Mercedes Benz, and other goodies. Agents even found $500,000 of cash stuffed into envelopes in closets. Now, that’s what I call a real-life treasure hunt.
Despite all these charges, Menendez seems to be playing the race card. He’s been quoted as saying, “It is not lost on me how quickly some are rushing to judge a Latino and push him out of his seat. I am not going anywhere.” Well, Mr. Menendez, I hate to break it to you, but it’s got nothing to do with your race and everything to do with your alleged crimes.
In the end, this case serves as a harsh reminder that no one, not even our elected officials, are above the law. And while Menendez may not be going anywhere just yet, only time will tell if he can weather this political storm.