New Jersey Governor Chris Christie said in a statement that “he had no knowledge of or involvement in the incident” that ensnared a former aide and a political appointees who were indicted Friday in the George Washington Bridge scandal.
“After fifteen months and three independent investigations, that conclusion remains unchanged,” Christie said.
Bill Baroni, former deputy executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and Bridget Anne Kelly, former deputy chief of staff to Mr. Christie, were both charged with nine counts by U.S. attorney for New Jersey, Paul J. Fishman. These counts include charges of conspiracy.
David Wildstein, a former port authority official for New York and New Jersey, pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy in relation to the bridge lane closure case.
Kelly and Baroni are accused of intentionally shutting the lanes down as a punishment for the mayor of Fort Lee for not endorsing the re-election of Governor Christie, WNYC reports. Kelly told reporters at a press conference that Wildstein is lying.