A group of more than a dozen state Senate Republicans in New Jersey is calling for an investigation into whether officials in the New Jersey Office of Attorney General were compromised by Sen. Bob Menendez’s federal bribery scheme. The lawmakers are urging the upper chamber’s president to grant investigatory and subpoena powers to the judiciary committee to probe these allegations. Led by Republican leader Sen. Anthony Bucco, the lawmakers argue that the indictment raises concerns about the potential complicity of officials in the senator’s alleged crimes or inadequate protocols for safeguarding against public corruption.
The federal indictment against Menendez, his wife, and three New Jersey businessmen alleges that one of the businessmen, Jose Uribe, purchased a luxury car worth over $60,000 for Menendez and his wife after she was involved in a fatal pedestrian accident. In exchange, the indictment claims that Menendez attempted to interfere in the attorney general’s investigation of Uribe for a previous charge. State Senate Republicans are now pushing for the hiring of a special counsel to conduct an independent probe into these allegations.
To move forward with the investigation, the full state Senate would need to approve granting subpoena power to the judiciary committee. Both New Jersey Senate President Nicholas Scutari and judiciary committee chairman Brian Stack, who are Democrats, would also need to approve the effort before it can be sent to the Senate. State Senate Republicans emphasize that they have no intention to interfere with the federal investigation but argue that allegations involving the state’s attorney general office fall within the jurisdiction of the New Jersey Legislature.
In 2022, the FBI executed a search warrant at Menendez and his wife’s New Jersey home, where they discovered large amounts of cash, gold, a luxury convertible, and home furnishings. Prosecutors allege that $480,000 in cash, some of it hidden in envelopes in clothing and closets, was found in the home, along with over $70,000 in cash in Nadine Menendez’s safe-deposit box. Fingerprints of businessman Fred Daibes, another figure in the bribery scheme, or his driver were reportedly found on some of the envelopes.
The lawmakers’ request for an investigation comes as Menendez and his wife plead not guilty to bribery charges. The Republicans assert that it is the constitutional duty of the New Jersey Legislature to investigate and enact any necessary reforms in light of the allegations involving the attorney general’s office. The outcome of the investigation could potentially have significant implications for Menendez’s political career and the integrity of New Jersey’s legal system.
Digital has reached out to Scutari and Stack for comment on the Republicans’ request for an investigation. As this story unfolds, it will be interesting to see how the New Jersey Legislature responds and whether further action will be taken to address the allegations of corruption.
Jamie Joseph, a writer specializing in political coverage, is leading Digital’s reporting on the Senate and will provide the latest updates on the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews, and more political content.
