U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez could encounter criminal corruption charges from the U.S. Department of Justice due to his affiliation with Dr. Salomon Melgen, a 60-year-old Dominican ophthalmologist in Florida.

While the charges have not been formally confirmed, Menendez has defended his innocence and partnership with Melgin.

Menendez is accused of helping and defending Melgen when federal Medicare administrators accused the doctor of overbilling the Medicaid health care program.

As an ophthalmologist, Melgen handles retina eye care situations and has four offices across Florida. He received an education from the National University Pedro Henriquez Urena in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic in 1974, followed by getting his doctorate degree at the same institution four years later. Melgen's professional life focused on medical work including the Dominican Air Force Hospital, Miami Heart Institute and the University to Missouri.

"I am always asked what sets me apart from most other doctors, and I would have to say that I do not consider myself to be a 'cookbook' physician," said Melgen for his eye center's biography. "My patients are my number one priority, and when I am looking to treat a diagnosis I try to look at all the data at hand and extrapolate the best treatment instead of solely adhering to what the current 'standard' of treatment may be. My patients deserve better. They deserve the highest standard."

Melgen's professional affiliations include the American Board of Eye Surgery, American Retina Foundation, Latin American Medical Association and founder of the Palm Beach Hispanic Medical Society.

While practicing his field, Melgen met Menendez, and the senator acknowledged it has been a two-decade friendship that included their families celebrating holidays, funerals and exchanged private gifts.

During that friendship, however, Melgen has had his South Florida office raided by law enforcement. FBI and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) authorities were seen carrying boxes of Melgen's materials. Melgen's lawyer said the raid was conducted because the ophthalmologist had sued the government on Medicare payments and now the government's sought revenge.

Accusations of Menendez visiting the Dominican Republic were questioned. He visited the country on Melgen's private plane on three occasions during 2010. Two of the plane trips were for private reasons while one was on official business. Menendez, however, did pay Melgen nearly $58,000 for the flights, and the senator admitted he failed to pay the doctor on a timelier manner because "it unfortunately fell through the cracks."

Suspicion also arose when Menendez addressed a federal audit against Melgen, which said the doctor overbilled the government by $8.9 million in Medicare and Medicaid payment when treating his patients.

Melgen and his family are also top financial donors for Democratic campaigns. Melgen's family reportedly provided approximately $50,000 to Menendez's campaigns and political action committees.

In a press conference on March 6, Menendez said he has "always conducted myself appropriately and in accordance with the law." He declined to comment on the potential DOJ criminal corruption charges until they are formally filed but reassured "I'm not going anywhere."

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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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