Kate Zernike's Blog, page 23

In Bridge Scandal Trial, Prosecutors Liken Ex-Christie Allies to Film Villains

Prosecutors say Bill Baroni, a former aide to Gov. Chris Christie, and a colleague gleefully plotted together as closely as the two villainous traders in “Trading Places,” one of their favorite films.

Ex-Christie Aide Says He Was Duped About Bridge Lane Closings

Bill Baroni, who is accused of approving the lane closings at the George Washington Bridge, then covering them up, says he was misled by a Port Authority executive.

Prosecutors Rest Case Against 2 Ex-Christie Aides in Lane-Closing Trial

Jurors were shown testimony that Bill Baroni, a defendant along with Bridget Anne Kelly, gave to the State Legislature months after the lanes leading to the George Washington Bridge were shut.

Lawyer Says Ex-Aide and Christie Spoke of Bridge Plot Beforehand

The lawyer, Michael Critchley, did not elaborate on his statement, which came as he questioned a witness in the trial of his client, Bridget Anne Kelly, and another former aide to Gov. Chris Christie.

In Lane-Closing Trial, Defense Questions a Key Witness’s Motivations

Testimony by an ex-aide of Gov. Chris Christie outlined his administration’s efforts to cover up the nefarious reasons for the lane closings in the months that followed the scandal.

Witness Says Christie Aide Asked Her to Delete Email About Lane Closings

The email documented a call from the mayor of Fort Lee, N.J., to a young staff member in Gov. Chris Christie’s office, in which the mayor complained about public safety hazards from the shutdowns.

Ex-Ally of Christie Hews to Story as Bridge Case Testimony Ends

David Wildstein, the star prosecution witness against two people charged in a scheme to tie up traffic at the George Washington Bridge, finished testifying on Wednesday.

Ex-Ally of Christie Links Cuomo to Cover-Up of Lane Closings

David Wildstein testified that the governors agreed to issue a report falsely citing a traffic study for closing access lanes to the George Washington Bridge; a Cuomo aide denied the account.

Bridge Trial Focuses on Christie’s Political Tactics

The Port Authority was seen as a key bank of favors to be doled out in return for endorsements, according to testimony by David Wildstein, a former aide to Chris Christie.

Credibility of Chris Christie’s ‘Enforcer’ Challenged During Bridge Scandal Trial

David Wildstein, a former ally of the New Jersey governor, denied accusations by a defense lawyer that he had embellished his accounts of the George Washington Bridge lane closings.