Disgraced Former Sen. Menendez Barred From Holding Public Office In NJ

By Sam Barron From Daily Voice

Former Sen. Robert Menendez, D-NJ, who is imprisoned on federal corruption charges, is barred from ever holding public office in New Jersey, the state announced Friday, Dec. 5.

New Jersey Superior Court Judge Robert Lougy permanently disqualified Menendez from holding office or any position of honor, trust, or profit in state or local government, Attorney General Matthew Platkin said.

 If Menendez applies for public office or employment or takes any steps to campaign, run for, or be appointed or elected to public office, he will face a contempt-of-court charge, Platkin said.

Menendez was convicted last year on bribery and extortion charges after a federal investigation revealed he and his wife, Nadine, took hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes, including gold, cash, a luxury convertible and home furnishings.  In exchange, Menendez, who chaired the Senate Foreign Relations Committee agreed to use his power and influence on Capitol Hill to protect the bribe payers' interests and to benefit foreign countries, including taking a series of official acts to benefit the government of Egypt.

In January, Menendez was sentenced to 11 years in prison. He resigned from the Senate following his conviction.