Sen. Robert Menendez Spends Big On Legal Defense

By Manu Raju and John Bresnahan

1/16/15 1:45 PM EST

Updated 1/16/15 2:32 PM EST

Sen. Robert Menendez has racked up several hundred thousand dollars in legal expenses since last year, a sign that the influential New Jersey Democrat continues to face federal scrutiny over his actions to aid a longtime friend and donor.

Menendez, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, shelled out $206,000 for legal expenses to three law firms in the fourth quarter of 2014, according to newly filed reports. The Menendez defense fund also spent $7,500 to help raise funds for his legal bills, prompting a windfall of contributions worth $201,000. Menendez created the defense fund last year.

The latest report from the defense fund suggests Menendez continues to be consumed by federal and Senate inquiries that appear to have picked up steam in the second half of 2014. Menendez reported $291,000 in third-quarter legal expenses, which followed $258,000 in legal fees incurred in the second quarter. He had no expenditures or receipts in the first three months of 2014.

Menendez’s office declined to comment, but he has repeatedly denied any improper or unethical behavior.

The Justice Department continues to investigate Menendez, and a federal grand jury has heard evidence in the case, although no legal action is expected imminently, according to several sources familiar with the probe.

Read more: http://www.politico.com/story/2015/01/robert-menendez-legal-defense-114331.html#ixzz3P1Cixc70