The DOJ indicted New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez on corruption charges for allegedly using his office and position to help a business owned by a friend and supporter.

Menendez is accused of helping Salomon Melgen in a dispute with health officials regarding health care payments, and of pushing authorities in the Dominican Republic to accept a contract with a company owned by Melgen.
The charges were presented after an joint investigation by DOJ and the FBI.

Menendez will be addressing the press tonight at 7:00 pm. EST.

Congressman Luis Gutierrez issued the following statement in his support:

“Bob Menendez has never given me any reason to question his integrity, his dedication to honest public service or his commitment to the American people.  As a leader in the House and in the Senate, he has been a key ally in fighting for sensible immigration reform and a touchstone for all matters related to Latinos in this country.  He is a friend who is quick with advice, encouragement and good ideas.  I am particularly proud of his leadership on foreign policy matters related to Latin America.  My hope is that these legal matters are resolved quickly so he can go back to concentrating 100 percent on his service to the people of New Jersey and the United States.”