New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie’s office says there’s no mystery over the whereabouts of the cellphone sought by defendants in the George Washington Bridge lane-closing case.

A spokesman said Friday that Christie’s attorney has the phone. Previously Christie said he “gave it to the government.”

Two defendants in the case were denied access to the phone Thursday, but they said they would continue to seek access before their scheduled September trial.

Bill Baroni and Bridget Kelly are charged with creating massive traffic jams near the bridge to punish a local Democratic mayor for not endorsing the Republican governor. They’ve pleaded not guilty.

They claim the phone is relevant because Christie and an aide exchanged texts during bridge officials’ testimony to a New Jersey legislative committee in late 2013.

(AP)