bridgegate

Two Former Christie Aides Plead Not Guilty to Bridgegate Charges

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie's former Deputy Chief of Staff Bridget Anne Kelly waits in court for a hearing on March 11, 2014 in Trenton, New Jersey. Attorneys for Kelly and two-time campaign manager Bill Stepien are in court to try to persuade a judge not to force them to turn over text messages and other private communications to New Jersey legislators investigating the political payback scandal ensnaring Christie's administration. AFP PHOTO/Mel Evans/Pool (Photo credit should read MEL EVANS/AFP/Getty Images)
Photo: AFP/2014 AFP

Bridget Kelly, the former deputy chief of staff for Governor Chris Christie who sent the “Time for some traffic problems in Fort Lee” email, and Bill Baroni, a former Christie appointee at Port Authority, pleaded not guilty to nine federal charges involving the George Washington Bridge scandal today. The charges include conspiracy, wire fraud, misusing organizations that receive federal funds, and deprivation of civil rights. Bail was set at $150,000 and both were released before the July 7 trial date. David Wildstein, who received Kelly’s “traffic problems” email, pleaded guilty on Friday. Baroni’s lawyer told ABC7“If David Wildstein was willing to repeatedly lie to settle a petty political grudge, nobody should be surprised at his eagerness to concoct any story that he thinks will help him stay out of federal prison.” Christie has insisted he knew nothing of the motives behind the lane closures.

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Two Former Christie Aides Plead Not Guilty