U.S. Sen. Robert "Bob" Menendez, D-N.J., vowed Friday that he was "not going anywhere" amid the alleged criminal corruption charges reportedly underway from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).

"I have always conducted myself appropriately and in accordance with the law," said Menendez on Friday evening as he addressed the charges reportedly underway by the department.

During the brief press conference, Menendez said every action he and his office made was based on "pursuing the best policy" for New Jersey and U.S. residents. He added that he fights for what he believes is important, such as protections for Hurricane Sandy victims, ensuring Iran never produces nuclear weapons and issues regarding the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks.

"I fight for these issues...and I'm not going anywhere," said Menendez.

Menendez commented on his relationship with Florida eye doctor Salomon Melgen.

"He and his family and me and my family have been friends for two decades," said the U.S. Democratic senator, noting they have celebrated holidays, funerals and exchanged private gifts.

"I cannot make additional comments, and I hope you do understand," said Menendez, citing the ongoing investigation on the alleged corruption charges.

Menendez's press conference comes hours after a report claimed the DOJ's criminal corruption charges could be finalized later this month as a federal grand jury continues to hear evidence on the case. The FBI and the DOJ's Public Integrity Section are looking into Menendez's role in defending Melgen when federal Medicare administrators accused the doctor of overbilling the Medicaid health care program.

After news leaked about the impending corruption charges, Latin Post received a statement by Menendez's Communications Director Tricia Enright. According to Enright, Menendez'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," stated Enright.

"The Senator has counted Dr. Melgen as one of his closest personal friends for decades," Enright said. "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."

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.

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

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