WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez will face federal criminal corruption charges stemming from his actions on behalf of Dr. Salomon Melgen, CNN reported today, citing people briefed on the case.

An announcement could come within weeks, the news organization said.

UPDATE:

Menendez fires back, says he always acted 'in accordance with the law.'

Menendez (D-N.J.) intervened in two cases involving Melgen, a West Palm Beach ophthalmologist and campaign donor, one in a billing dispute with the government and another regarding a port-security contract in the Dominican Republic. Menendez also reimbursed Melgen for three flights on the doctor's private jet that the senator initially did not disclose.

The senator twice contacted the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which found that Melgen had overbilled the government by $8.9 million. Menendez also asked about a port-security contract in the Dominican Republic held by a company whose investors include Melgen.

MORE ON THE MENENDEZ SAGA:

• How it got to this point

• Who is Salomon Melgen?

• Tom Moran: Hard to ignore history

• Social media reaction

Tricia Enright, a spokeswoman for Menendez, declined to address "allegations being made anonymously," noting that "many false allegations have been made" about the senator in this matter.



"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," she said in a statement. "Any actions taken by Senator Menendez or his office have been to appropriately address public policy issues and not for any other reason. The senator has counted Dr. Melgen as one of his closest personal friends for decades. The two have spent holidays together and have gone to each other's family funerals and weddings and have exchanged personal gifts.''

Menendez, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has been a strong advocate of President Obama's executive orders on immigration, but a fierce critic over his plan to normalize relations with Cuba. He has also expressed concerns over Obama's efforts to negotiate a deal to curb Iran's nuclear program.

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Jonathan D. Salant may be reached at jsalant@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JDSalant. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook.