Senator Menendez Pleads Not Guilty to Additional Charge

Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) is facing his second indictment on corruption charges.

He beat it the first time, but this time it appears to be an open and shut case.

Menendez was due in court this week to offer his plea for the additional charge of acting as a foreign agent, and he pleaded “not guilty.”

Corruption

Bullion bars, cash, and a Mercedes… these were the goodies that were allegedly paid to Menendez for political favors, which included strongarming a local prosecutor and landing a massive aid package for Egypt.

Menendez says he did nothing wrong, however, and that the government is picking on him because he is Cuban.

The indictment against Mendez stated:

"Among other actions, MENENDEZ provided sensitive U.S. Government information and took other steps that secretly aided the Government of Egypt.

"It was a part and an object of the conspiracy that ROBERT MENENDEZ, the defendant, and others known and unknown, being a public official, directly and indirectly, would and did corruptly demand, seek, receive, accept, and agree to receive and accept something of value personally and for another person and entity, in return for being influenced in the performance of an official act and for being induced to do an act and omit to do an act in violation of his official duty.”

Menendez has been defiant throughout, refusing to resign and refusing to admit any guilt.

In September, he stated, "Everything I've accomplished I've worked for despite the naysayers and everyone who has underestimated me.

"I recognize this will be the biggest fight yet. But as I have stated throughout this whole process, I firmly believe that when all the facts are presented, not only will I be exonerated, but I still will be New Jersey's senior senator."

After the foreign agent charge was added to the preceding indictment, Menendez stated, "The government's latest charge flies in the face of my long record of standing up for human rights and democracy in Egypt and in challenging leaders of that country, including President El-Sisi on these issues. I have been, throughout my life, loyal to only one country -- the United States of America, the land my family chose to live in democracy and freedom."

Well, he will have his day in court to fight the charges, but I don’t think very many people expect him to beat those charges this time around.

If Menendez does beat the charges again, you better believe the entire right will have a meltdown over a two-tiered justice system that seems to only hold one side accountable these days.