Menendez donor pleads not guilty to fraud

A Florida doctor accused of bribing Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) pleaded not guilty on Thursday to charges that he defrauded Medicare.

Salomon Melgen entered the same plea in federal court for all 76 counts of Medicare fraud and falsifying medical records he faces, Reuters reported.

“He pleads not guilty to each and every count,” said Maria Dominguez, Melgen’s attorney.

{mosads}The North Palm Beach ophthalmologist will remain jailed in southern Florida due to concerns he poses a flight risk. Prosecutors on Thursday argued he could evade justice given his wealth, personal airplane and private property in the Dominican Republic.

The Justice Department indicted Melgen on Medicare fraud charges Tuesday. Federal prosecutors allege he falsified records and ordered unnecessary procedures and tests for patients.

A U.S. Southern District of Florida Court indictment said Melgen’s practice sometimes treated 100 patients a day. It alleges he pocketed $105 million after billing Medicare $190 million between January 2008 and December 2013.

Menendez pleaded not guilty on April 2 to 14 corruption charges stemming from his ties to Melgen. The DOJ contends Melgen unethically influenced Menendez with donations and lavish gifts to gain the lawmaker’s influence in Congress.

The DOJ also alleges Menendez helped Melgen with Medicare fraud claims, a port contract in the Dominican and visas for foreign girlfriends.

Menendez insists he Melgen are merely close friends and says he will be cleared of any wrongdoing in court.