TRENTON, NJ — New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced Friday that an internal inquiry found no evidence of misconduct within the Attorney General’s Office related to the federal indictment of former U.S. Senator Robert Menendez.
The inquiry was launched following the unsealing of an indictment by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, which charged Menendez with attempting to interfere in criminal matters involving the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office.
“Despite Mr. Menendez’s attempts to interfere with criminal matters handled by this Office, he was ultimately unsuccessful,” Platkin stated.
The investigation focused on determining whether any current or former members of the Attorney General’s Office or the Department of Law and Public Safety were involved in wrongful conduct. The review concluded that no individuals in the department were implicated.
Platkin emphasized the department’s commitment to impartiality, saying, “It is my job to shield this Department from all external influences so that the people who work here can do their jobs in service to the residents of New Jersey without fear or favor.”
Platkin also commended former Attorneys General Gurbir Grewal and Andrew Bruck for their dedicated service, highlighting their commitment to maintaining the integrity of the office.
Former U.S. Senator Robert Menendez was convicted on multiple federal corruption charges, marking a significant fall from grace for the longtime New Jersey lawmaker.
A federal jury in the Southern District of New York found Menendez guilty of bribery, conspiracy, and obstruction of justice after a high-profile trial that exposed a wide-ranging scheme involving political favors in exchange for cash, gold bars, and luxury gifts.
Prosecutors argued that Menendez, 70, abused his Senate position to benefit several businessmen and foreign governments in exchange for bribes. Evidence presented during the trial included gold bars and hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash found hidden in his home, along with luxury vehicles and expensive gifts.
“This verdict sends a clear message that no one is above the law,” said U.S. Attorney Damian Williams. “Public officials who put personal gain above public service will be held accountable.”
The case also implicated Menendez’s wife, Nadine Menendez, and several New Jersey businessmen, all accused of participating in the bribery scheme. Menendez’s defense argued that the gifts and money were unrelated to his official duties, but jurors rejected that claim after weeks of testimony and deliberation.
Menendez, who served in the Senate since 2006, had previously survived corruption allegations in 2017 when a mistrial was declared. This conviction, however, brings his political career to an end and could result in a lengthy prison sentence.