Report: Federal grand jury in Miami investigating Sen. Menendez

A grand jury is investigating Sen. Robert Menendez’s (D-N.J.) role in advocating for the business interests of Salomon Melgen, a political donor and Florida eye doctor, The Washington Post reported Thursday evening.

“Three people aware of the probe” told the newspaper that federal agents have questioned witnesses. The sources spoke on the condition of anonymity, the Post said. 

Two people briefed on the probe told the Post that the federal grand jury in Miami has issued subpoenas for Melgen’s business and financial records.

“I welcome any review, because I believe, at the end of the day, that my actions have been appropriate,” the senator told the Post.

Menendez has steadfastly maintained his innocence against charges that he has improperly helped his “friend and political supporter.”

The Post previously reported Menendez admitted to contacting officials at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to raise questions about a finding Melgen had overbilled the government by nearly $9 million.

The New York Times, meanwhile, has reported Menendez discouraged the federal government from donating port security equipment to the Dominican Republic, which would have undermined a contract a company owned by Melgen had to provide security screenings.

And the Associated Press reported earlier this month that Menendez sponsored legislation to boost tax credits and grants to companies that converted their vehicle fleets to use alternative fuels that would have financially benefited Melgen.

The Senate Ethics Committee is also looking into claims that Menendez acted improperly by flying to the Dominican Republic on Melgen’s private plane.

Menendez recently reimbursed Melgen’s company $58,500, the cost of two previously undisclosed trips from personal funds.

Melgen took him on at least three trips to the Dominican Republic aboard his private plane in 2010.

Earlier this month, Menendez urged reporters to investigate who was behind the accusations that he had sex with Dominican prostitutes on those trips with the same gusto they brought to scrutinizing his relationship with Melgen.

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Lautenberg calls Menendez ethics accusations 'too bad'

Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.) said Thursday he was saddened to see his junior colleague, Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), ensnarled in a brewing controversy over trips he took to the Dominican Republic and a report that he may have solicited prostitutes.

"If there are infractions as they are reported, it’s too bad," Lautenberg told reporters, according to the Newark Star-Ledger.

Menendez is facing questions over a pair trips he took to the Dominican Republic with Salomon Melgen, a Florida eye doctor under investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Menendez had not originally paid for two of the trips on Melgen's private jet to the Dominican Republic, calling him a longtime friend, but his office announced Wednesday that he had reimbursed Melgen $58,5000 for the trip.

“Sen. Menendez has traveled on Dr. Melgen’s plane on three occasions, all of which have been paid for and reported appropriately,” Menendez's office said in a statement.

The Daily Caller has also reported that Menendez solicited prostitutes during the trips, although Menendez has vehemently denied that charge.

“Any allegations of engaging with prostitutes are manufactured by a politically motivated right-wing blog and are false," Menendez's office said.

"There a lot that’s said and covered, but I for one know Bob as a very capable United States senator, and I’m sorry to see him in this position," Lautenberg said. "But I can’t give you anything more. Don’t want to. Don’t know to."

White House press secretary Jay Carney also declined to comment when asked about the reports on Thursday.

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