One of Gov. Chris Christie’s top aides and one of his appointees at the Port Authority were both found guilty of all charges, including of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, in the George Washington Bridge lane-closing case.
Bridget Kelly, Christie’s former deputy chief of staff, and Bill Baroni, a former Port Authority executive, both face up to 20 years behind bars after being convicted of the top charge in a nine-count indictment handed up in connection with the politically motivated lane closings at the nation’s busiest bridge in September 2013.
Charged in the high-profile political case are Bill Baroni , the former deputy executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and Bridget Anne Kelly , who served as a deputy chief of staff to Gov. Chris Christie. The two were indicted more than a year ago on nine counts of conspiracy and fraud in connection with a scheme to create massive gridlock in Fort Lee in retribution for the refusal of Mayor Mark Sokolich to endorse the governor for re-election.
The jury of seven women and five men has been deliberating since Monday, after a six-week trial that heard from 35 witnesses, including both defendants. The government’s key witness was David Wildstein, a GOP operative and political appointee to the Port Authority who admitted masterminding the plot.
6 Responses
I have never understood how closing lanes at the Bridge was a punishment for the mayor. Does anyone know?
nope. this was one of the dumbest ill conceived political moves ive ever heard of. and now it came back to bite them big time.
it also probably cost christie the republican nomination. he wouldve beat hillary hands down
Honestly, all the recent news serves as a poignant reminder that “kol ma’asecha be’sefer nich’tavim” – everything is being recorded. One day, after 120, we will all be required to answer for it all.
It ruined Christie’s chance for president.
Now that Christie’s aides have been convicted, what is the US Attorney going to do about their boss. I will be disappointed if Christie is not prosecuted.