WASHINGTON (AP) — Sen. Robert Menendez's office says he reimbursed a prominent Florida political donor $58,500 for the full cost of two out of three trips Menendez took on the donor's plane to the Dominican Republic.
There was no public disclosure. Menendez spokeswoman Tricia Enright says the New Jersey senator paid for the two trips out of his personal account, so there were no reporting requirements.
The third trip was a fundraising journey to the Dominican Republic residence of the donor, eye doctor Salomon Melgen. Menendez's office says that trip was reported to the Federal Election Commission.
Details of Menendez's trips emerged as his office said unsubstantiated allegations that the senator engaged in sex with prostitutes in the Dominican Republic are false.
