© 2024 Connecticut Public

FCC Public Inspection Files:
WEDH · WEDN · WEDW · WEDY
WECS · WEDW-FM · WNPR · WPKT · WRLI-FM · WVOF
Public Files Contact · ATSC 3.0 FAQ
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Former Chris Christie Ally Pleads Guilty In 'Bridgegate' Case

David Wildstein, former Port Authority appointee of New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, leaves the Federal Court on May 01, 2015 in Newark. Wildstein pleaded guilty on charges after a federal probe into the George Washington Bridge Case. (Kena Betancur/Getty Images)
David Wildstein, former Port Authority appointee of New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, leaves the Federal Court on May 01, 2015 in Newark. Wildstein pleaded guilty on charges after a federal probe into the George Washington Bridge Case. (Kena Betancur/Getty Images)

David Wildstein, a former Port Authority official in New Jersey, pleaded guilty today to playing a role in shutting down lanes of traffic during rush hour on the George Washington Bridge, a move taken as political retribution against the Mayor of Fort Lee, New Jersey, who refused to support New Jersey Governor Chris Christie’s bid for re-election.

Wildstein was a known Christie ally, as well as one of the governor’s childhood friends.

Federal Judge Susan D. Wigenton said Wildstein had engaged in conspiracy, as he admitted to “trying to punish Mayor Sokolich by causing significant lane access problems.”

An attorney for Wildstein said there’s evidence that Christie knew about the closures while they were happening.

Charges are also expected to be brought today against Wildstein’s former deputy chief of staff, Bridget Kelly, as well as Bill Baroni, former deputy executive director of the Port Authority, which oversees the bridge.

Wildstein resigned in December 2013, as investigative reports surfaced about a potential scandal involving the closures.

New Jersey political analyst Steve Adubato joins host Meghna Chakrabati to give us the latest on today’s court appearance, as well as the implications of the scandal on a potential presidential bid by Christie.

Guest

Copyright 2021 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.

Stand up for civility

This news story is funded in large part by Connecticut Public’s Members — listeners, viewers, and readers like you who value fact-based journalism and trustworthy information.

We hope their support inspires you to donate so that we can continue telling stories that inform, educate, and inspire you and your neighbors. As a community-supported public media service, Connecticut Public has relied on donor support for more than 50 years.

Your donation today will allow us to continue this work on your behalf. Give today at any amount and join the 50,000 members who are building a better—and more civil—Connecticut to live, work, and play.