Inquiry into 2018 Fatal Car Accident Involving Nadine Menendez Under Review by New Jersey Attorney General

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The office of the New Jersey Attorney General is examining the procedures followed by local police in investigating a fatal automobile accident that involved Nadine Menendez, the spouse of U.S. Senator Robert Menendez, as confirmed by a law enforcement source with knowledge of the review.

Nadine Menendez had been in a relationship with the Democratic Senator from New Jersey for nearly a year when she struck Richard Koop, aged 49, with her car on December 12, 2018, in Bogota, New Jersey. Koop succumbed to his injuries almost immediately after being hit as he crossed the street near his residence in the evening hours.

At the time, known by her maiden name Nadine Arslanian, she was not subjected to drug or alcohol testing at the accident site. The Bogota police department rapidly determined that she was not culpable and permitted her to depart from the location.

She informed the authorities that the man had abruptly crossed the street in front of her vehicle, making it impossible for her to notice him until he collided with her windshield. Police noted that Koop was dressed in dark clothing, had not used a crosswalk, and had been consuming alcohol at a bar prior to the accident.

This fatal event has gained renewed attention following the indictment of Senator Menendez and his wife on September 22. They are charged with accepting bribes, including cash, gold, and a high-end automobile, in return for committing various corrupt acts. The indictment specifically mentioned that Nadine Menendez needed the new car because her previous one had been involved in an “accident.” A local businessman allegedly purchased a $60,000 Mercedes for her in return for the Senator’s intervention in a criminal case related to one of his employees.

The anonymous law enforcement official confirmed the Attorney General’s review of the 2018 accident handling, speaking to The Big Big News under the condition of anonymity. This investigation was first disclosed by NBC News.

Matt Platkin, New Jersey’s Attorney General, has refrained from commenting on the matter, stating via email that the office neither confirms nor denies ongoing investigations.

The family of the deceased, Richard Koop, have expressed concerns regarding the thoroughness of the investigation into his death. Rosemarie Koop-Angelicola, his sister, commented that they could accept the event as a genuine accident, but only if it had been fully and adequately investigated, which they believe has not happened.

Surveillance footage did capture the fatal accident, albeit from an angle that does not provide clear details. The footage revealed that Menendez stopped her vehicle for approximately 25 seconds after hitting Koop, then maneuvered around his body and drove away from the scene. Approximately three minutes after the collision, a bystander is seen rushing to assist Koop. Police arrived roughly a minute later.

Police dashcam footage shows Menendez declining to allow the police to take possession of her mobile phone for investigative purposes. In a statement, David Schertler, Nadine Menendez’s legal counsel, asserted that although the incident was tragic, his client was not at fault, had not broken any laws, and hence was not charged with any criminal offense. He emphasized that the incident was unrelated to the current bribery charges against Ms. Menendez, and expressed confidence that any renewed investigation would reaffirm this.

Both Nadine Menendez and Senator Robert Menendez have pleaded not guilty to the bribery allegations. A trial is tentatively slated to commence on May 6.

In another development, a federal judge in New Jersey dismissed a plea deal in a different criminal case involving Fred Daibes, a real estate developer who is also indicted. Daibes had previously pleaded guilty to banking fraud last April and is accused in the new indictment of bribing Senator Menendez to secure the appointment of a U.S. Attorney who would offer lenient treatment in his case.

Efforts to reach Daibes’ legal representation for comment were unsuccessful.

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More about New Jersey Attorney General Investigation

• Original Source of the Investigation Announcement
• Senator Robert Menendez’s Official Biography
• New Jersey Attorney General’s Office
• Coverage of the Menendez Bribery Indictment
• Details of the Fred Daibes Case
• Previous News Report on the 2018 Fatal Accident involving Nadine Menendez
• Legal Definitions and Processes for Criminal Indictments
• Background Information on U.S. Bribery Laws