A Democratic New Jersey lawmaker leading a state investigation into a traffic jam scandal that has ensnared Republican Gov. Chris Christie’s administration says private email exchanges show a crime was committed.

Appearing Sunday on CBS’ “Face the Nation,” Assemblyman John Wisniewski says using a public resource such as the George Washington Bridge for political retribution violates federal and state laws.

Four people close to Christie lost their jobs after a top aide gave the go-ahead to shut lanes to the bridge. Lawmakers are investigating allegations that Christie loyalists intended to punish a Democratic mayor who didn’t endorse him.

Christie has said he didn’t know of any plot to close the lanes.

Wisniewski says it “strains credibility” that the hands-on governor wasn’t told by senior advisers who received emails about the closings.

(AP)