...
By Taylor Wofford
Staff Writer
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
A former Port Authority official and political ally to New Jersey Governor Chris Christie pleaded guilty on Friday to conspiracy to commit fraud and conspiracy against rights in connection with the September 2013 closure of traffic lanes on the George Washington Bridge between New York and New Jersey.
David Wildstein, a high school friend of Christie's who pleaded guilty at the U.S. District Court in Newark, is the first New Jersey official to be indicted in connection with the lane closure scandal—the so-called Bridgegate. Indictments are also expected for a former executive deputy director of the Port Authority, Bill Baroni, and a former deputy chief of staff to Christie, Bridget Anne Kelly, The New York Times reports.
Read More on U.S.
Before Judge Susan Wigenton, Wildstein admitted that he, Baroni and Kelly conspired to close lanes on the George Washington Bridge to create traffic jams with the intention of punishing Mark Sokolich, Fort Lee, New Jersey's mayor, for not endorsing Christie during his 2013 re-election campaign.
Wildstein has said that he discussed the lane closures with Christie, an accusation the governor denies. Wildstein's attorney, Alan Zegas, told reporters more information will be forthcoming about who knew what, and when.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines