US Sen. Menendez: I’ve behaved appropriately in office

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez says amid a federal investigation that he has always behaved appropriately in office.

The New Jersey Democrat spoke Friday night in his home state.

A person familiar with a federal investigation into Menendez’s relationship with a Florida doctor and political donor says the Department of Justice is expected to bring criminal charges against him in the coming weeks. The person discussed the expected filing of charges on the condition of anonymity on Friday because the investigation is pending.

Menendez has been dogged by questions about his ties to a Florida ophthalmologist and friend whose medical office was raided by authorities two years ago. Menendez’s office earlier issued a statement saying all of his actions have been appropriate and lawful.

Attorney General Eric Holder has declined to say whether he has authorized criminal charges against the senator.

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Tucker reported from Washington.