FILE - In this July 27, 2015 file photo, Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J. speaks to reporters in Union Township, N.J. Attorneys for Menendez argued in court Thursday that the corruption case against him should be dismissed because the grand jury that indicted him was biased, prosecutors used hearsay evidence and salacious material was presented to inflame jurors. (AP Photo/Mel Evans, File)
NEWARK, N.J. (AP) – A federal judge has dismissed four bribery counts against U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey and an associate.
Menendez and Florida eye doctor Salomon Melgen each faced two of the counts stemming from two $20,000 donations made by Melgen to a legal defense fund that benefited Menendez.
Menendez and Melgen were named in a 22-count indictment that accused the longtime Democratic congressman of accepting campaign donations and gifts from Melgen in exchange for political influence.
The judge denied the pair's claims in motions to dismiss the indictment that prosecutors gave improper instructions and made false statements to the grand jury.
The judge also rejected Menendez's argument that his actions were protected under a clause in the Constitution that shields elected officials from being questioned by prosecutors about legislative work.
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