Sacco has been summoned to testify in front of a grand jury about his relationship with the senator, who is accused of accepting gifts and favors in exchange for political influence. The mayor’s connection to the case has not been disclosed, but prosecutors have said that he has information that is “relevant and material” to the investigation.
According to NBC News, “Menendez has been under investigation over a New Jersey meat company’s exclusive contract with the government of Egypt to certify halal exports, the newest subpoenas were reportedly unrelated to those allegations.”
A North Bergen spokesman said, “As they always have, Mayor Sacco and the Township of North Bergen will comply with any inquiry they receive from law enforcement and will cooperate fully.”
For months, Menendez has been under criminal investigation into whether he and his wife improperly took cash and gifts from the owners of IS EG Halal, an Edgewater halal meat business.
Menendez and the company’s owners have denied any wrongdoing.
A few years ago, Menendez faced corruption charges, but the trial ended in a hung jury. He was accused of accepting gifts and campaign contributions from Florida eye doctor Salomon Melgen in exchange for using his political influence to benefit Melgen’s business interests.
Mayor Sacco’s subpoena is just the latest twist in a long-running saga that has captivated New Jersey and Washington D.C. political circles. Menendez has maintained his innocence throughout the investigation, and his lawyers have argued that the charges against him are politically motivated.
It remains to be seen what impact the mayor’s testimony will have on the case, but it is clear that prosecutors are leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of justice.
