MORRISTOWN, NJ — Last week, the bipartisan Senate Ethics Committee released a scathing Public Letter of Admonition stating that Senator Bob Menendez violated federal law, broke longstanding Senate Rules, and abused his position a member of the Senate to advance Dr. Melgen’s personal and business interests.

“Senator Menendez has a history of unethical, corrupt behavior, and the Senate Ethics Committee letter proves that he violated federal law, abused his position as a Senator, and disgraced New Jersey. Considering the findings of the committee, Senator Menendez should step down,” said Morris County Freeholder Deborah Smith.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE LETTER:

“The Committee has determined that this conduct violated Senate Rules, federal law, and applicable standards of conduct.”

“The Committee has found that over a six-year period you knowingly and repeatedly accepted gifts of significant value from Dr. Melgen without obtaining required Committee approval, and that you failed to publicly disclose certain gifts as required by Senate Rule and federal law. Additionally, while accepting these gifts, you used your position as a Member of the Senate to advance Dr. Melgen’s personal and business interests.”

“Notably, you have not disputed the fact that you accepted numerous gifts from Dr. Melgen and took official actions related to his interests.”

“Further, your decision to accept and your failure to disclose numerous gifts while simultaneously using your Senate office in furtherance of Dr. Melgen’s interests created, at a minimum, the appearance of impropriety.”

“You demonstrated disregard for these standards by placing your Senate office in Dr. Melgen’s service at the same time you repeatedly accepted gifts of significant value from him. Your assistance to Dr. Melgen under these circumstances demonstrated poor judgment, and it risked undermining the public’s confidence in the Senate. As such, your actions reflected discredit upon the Senate.”

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