A noticably gaunt David Wildstein pleaded guilty this morning. Bill Baroni, former deputy executive director of the Port Authorityy, and Bridget Anne Kelly, former deputy chief of staff to Christie, are expected to be indicted later today:
#Bridgegate: Baroni told Port Authority Executive Director Patrick Foye not to end closures because they were important to "Trenton"
— Christopher Baxter (@cbaxter1) May 1, 2015
Livestream of U.S. Attorney Paul Fishman's 1pm ET #Bridgegate press conference
http://t.co/KLPEBgdNyd
— Matt Mackowiak (@MattMackowiak) May 1, 2015
It's official. Baroni and Kelley indicted. #bridgegate. http://t.co/8fCFjQ2Ve8
— Louis C. Hochman (@LouisCHochman) May 1, 2015
Also: the plea agreement with Wildstein was actually struck FOUR MONTHS AGO: pic.twitter.com/7gXnF5soGU
— Steve Kornacki (@SteveKornacki) May 1, 2015
Specifically, Wildstein says 9/9/13 chosen to start closures because it was first day of school – would maximize punishment for Ft Lee mayor
— Steve Kornacki (@SteveKornacki) May 1, 2015
Loretta Weinberg speaking outside courthouse now: "this is just the beginning."
— Steve Kornacki (@SteveKornacki) May 1, 2015
Wildstein pleads guilty to 2 counts of conspiracy in #bridgegate – 1. Fraud 2. Civil rights. Implicates baroni and kelly.
— Andrew Seidman (@AndrewSeidman) May 1, 2015
Wildstein says bridge scheme was intended to punish Fort Lee mayor for not endorsing Christie. Conspiracy w Kelly and Baroni.
— Andrew Seidman (@AndrewSeidman) May 1, 2015
Wildstein released on own recognizance on 100k bond for cooperation with government. Must surrender passports.
— Andrew Seidman (@AndrewSeidman) May 1, 2015
Judge asked Wildstein if Kelly was disappointed in mayors decision not to endorse. "Yes." Used lanes as "leverage" to punish.
— Andrew Seidman (@AndrewSeidman) May 1, 2015
Atty says Wildstein was "intimately involved" in lane closings, deeply regrets, will continue to cooperate with Feds.
— Andrew Seidman (@AndrewSeidman) May 1, 2015
Wildstein atty repeats line that Christie knew of lane closures while ongoing and "evidence exists" to show it. Wildstein willing to testify
— Andrew Seidman (@AndrewSeidman) May 1, 2015
This seems like a meager result for a 15-month investigation, unless it’s just a prosecutorial tactic, and is just the tip of a very big iceberg (so to speak).
(Why does spelchek question “prosecutorial”?
Is this a homeschoolers’ version of spelchek?)
I expect this is just Phase 1. Wildstein’s lawyer says there is evidence that Christie knew about the lane closures while they were happening.
I think your earlier post and the link are predictive of a Christie pass. An experienced prosecutor does not go public with a “no evidence” statement when there is the least chance of a subsequent charge against the Governor.
He qualified it: “At this time.” We’ll see.