“Bridgegate” trial reaches verdict

By Emma Sinn 11/5/16

Two former staff members of New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, were found guilty in the Bridgegate trial. The biggest charges were conspiracy and fraud. Christie, himself, was not on trial.

Bridget Kelly and Bill Baroni both played a role in the lane closures on the New Jersey side of the Washington Bridge in September 2013. The lane closure stopped traffic. It was closed to punish the mayor of Fort Lee who declined to endorse Christie for re-election.

Christie will likely never be on trial for his possible role. Christie’s administration was painted in a bad light because the trial however.

Christie states, “Let me be clear once again, I had no knowledge prior to or during these lane realignments, and had no role in authorizing them.” No charges have been brought upon Christie but it’s possible charges could still be brought upon him.

The Bridgegate trial started because a series emails and text became public. These became public in January 2014, a few months after the lane closure.

Bridget Kelly was Christie’s former deputy chief of staff and Bill Baroni was his former deputy executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. They both now face a maximum sentence of 86 years.