The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) are reportedly preparing to file criminal corruption charges against Sen. Robert "Bob" Menendez, D-N.J.

The DOJ is alleging that Menendez used his political office to encourage the business interests of a Democratic donor and friend for gifts.

Sources familiar with the investigation have said the criminal charges could come later this March as a federal grand jury continues to hear evidence on the case.

Menendez's Communications Director Tricia Enright said in a statement, "As we have said before, we believe all of the Senator's actions have been appropriate and lawful and the facts will ultimately confirm that. Any actions taken by Senator Menendez or his office have been to appropriately address public policy issues and not for any other reason."

According to NBC News, Menendez previously admitted to accepting free private plane trips from Florida eye doctor Salomon Melgen, which included a 2008 trip to Casa de Campo luxury resort in the Dominican Republic. According to Menendez, he has repaid approximately $70,000 on trips provided by Melgen's plane, but denied any wrongdoing.

"The Senator has counted Dr. Melgen as one of his closest personal friends for decades," continued Enright in a statement to Latin Post. "The two have spent holidays together and have gone to each other's family funerals and weddings and have exchanged personal gifts. As has been reported, the start of this investigation is suspect. We know many false allegations have been made about this matter, allegations that were ultimately publicly discredited. We also know that the official investigation of this matter is ongoing, and therefore cannot address allegations being made anonymously."

The prosecutors of the case, who have received permission from Attorney General Eric Holder to proceed with the charges, are also focusing on Menendez's defense of Melgen when federal Medicare administrators accused the doctor of overbilling the health care program. Melgan, a major Democratic donor, was among the top recipients of Medicare reimbursements.

The alleged criminal corruption charges are being handled by the FBI and the Justice Department's Public Integrity Section from Washington, D.C.

Menendez is currently serving his second term as New Jersey's senator. He was first elected in 2005 and assumed the office on Jan. 17, 2006. He served as the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee from 2013 until earlier this year and has been critical on the Obama administration's handling of its renewed relations with Cuba and the Iran nuclear program talks. Menendez is an advocate for immigration reform.

Menendez is one of three Latinos in the U.S. Senate, along with Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., and Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas.

__

For the latest updates, follow Latin Post's Michael Oleaga on Twitter: @EditorMikeO or contact via email: m.oleaga@latinpost.com.