Bridgegate Indictments

A key figure in the corruption scandal that threatens New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie's political career pleaded guilty today in federal court, while two others were indicted in connection with the lane closures at the George Washington Bridge.

David Wildstein, who looked noticeably thinner, pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy -- knowingly misapplying property that receives federal funds and conspiracy to violate civil rights -- in connection with access lane closures in 2013.

Wildstein admitted in Newark federal court that the bridge's access lane closures were the result of political retribution for Fort Lee's mayor, Mark Sokolich, for refusing to endorse Christie's bid for re-election as New Jersey governor that same year. He admitted that Christie staffers Bridget Kelly and Bill Baroni chose the first day of school to maximize the punishment and used the traffic study as a "cover story."

Kelly, Christie's deputy chief of staff, and Baroni, who served as the Port Authority's Deputy Executive Director, were named as co-conspirators by prosecutors and indicted in the scandal shortly after Wildstein entered his plea.

In the 38-page indictment, Kelly and Baroni are charged with a list of charges, including wire fraud, conspiracy to violate civil rights and conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

The indictments and plea of the former Port Authority executive and one-time political blogger, who went to high school with Christie, mark a dramatic step in the saga swirling around Christie.

Prosecutors said that to "maximize the congestion and thus the punitive impact" on Sokolich, the trio "caused these lane and toll booth reductions to start on the first day of the school year in Fort Lee, without any advance notice to Mayor Sokolich, the Fort Lee Chief of Police and the residents of Fort Lee."

 At a news conference this afternoon, Kelly asserted her innocence, saying, "I am not guilty of these charges."

Kelly -- who called Wildstein "a liar" -- also said she "looks forward to ... sharing the truth" about what took place.

Wildstein's lawyer Alan Zegas said "Christie knew" of the lane closures as they were happening. He has made similar allegations in the past, but the governor's office has repeatedly denied it.

Entire story at
http://7online.com/news/gov-christies-political-ally-pleads-guilty-2-others-indicted-in-bridge-scandal/690579/

Baroni, Kelly statements
http://www.njtvonline.org/news/video/baroni-kelly-address-charges-in-press-conferences/