WASHINGTON – The U.S. Justice Department said on Friday it plans to retryDemocratic U.S. Senator Robert Menendez on bribery and corruption chargesafter a jury was deadlocked during a trial in November.
The government is seeking the “earliest possible date” for a retrial,according to a court filing. Menendez, who has represented New Jersey inthe Senate since 2006, is expected to run for another six-year term thisyear, and the state’s Democratic leaders have endorsed his bid despite thecharges.
“The decision to retry this case was made based on the facts and the law,following a careful review,” the Justice Department said in a statement.
Menendez, 64, is accused of accepting private flights, campaigncontributions and other bribes from a wealthy patron, Floridaophthalmologist Salomon Melgen, in exchange for official favors.