Embattled New Jersey Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez pleaded not guilty Monday at an arraignment hearing at the federal courthouse in Manhattan on a new charge of conspiring to act as a foreign agent to the government of Egypt while serving in Congress.

The additional charge came in the form of a new indictment against Mr. Menendez and his wife, Nadine Menendez, after the couple pleaded not guilty to public corruption and bribery charges.

Manhattan prosecutors say the pair “provided sensitive U.S. government information and took other steps that secretly aided the government of Egypt.” They also said Mr. Menendez, his wife and co-defendant Wael Hana “worked to introduce Egyptian intelligence and military officials to Menendez for the purpose of establishing and solidifying a corrupt agreement.”

Mr. Menendez’s arraignment lasted only a few minutes, and he declined to answer shouted questions from reporters at the courthouse.

Mrs. Menendez and Mr. Hana also were indicted on the foreign agent charge but had already pleaded not guilty.

The three previously pleaded not guilty to the original bribery and corruption charges centered on Mr. Menendez and his wife allegedly receiving lavish gifts from Mr. Hana and two additional New Jersey businessmen in exchange for favors and sensitive knowledge to benefit the Egyptian government. Those gifts included gold bars, around $500,000 in cash and a convertible Mercedes.

Mr. Menendez has denied any wrongdoing and vowed to serve the remainder of his term that ends in January 2025, despite two-thirds of Senate Democrats calling for his resignation. He is up for reelection next year but has declined to say whether he will seek another term.

— This story is based in part on wire service reports.

• Ramsey Touchberry can be reached at rtouchberry@washingtontimes.com.