Baroni and Kelly plead not guilty in Bridgegate case

Two former Chris Christie allies pleaded not guilty Monday to charges over their alleged role in the Bridgegate scandal.

Bridget Anne Kelly, Christie’s former deputy chief of staff, and Bill Baroni, Christie’s former top appointee to the Port Authority, were each indicted last Friday on nine counts of conspiracy, wire fraud, fraudulently obtaining and misapplying federal property, and deprivation of civil rights.


Both appeared in federal court Monday and pleaded not guilty to all of the charges. Bail for both of the accused was set for $150,000 and the trial’s start date was set for July 7.

The indictment largely stemmed from the testimony of David Wildstein, another Port Authority employee and former ally of the New Jersey governor who pleaded guilty to two conspiracy counts as part of a bargain with prosecutors.

On Friday, both Kelly and Baroni’s attorney separately called Wildstein a “liar” and denied their alleged roles in the scandal.

Kelly drew fire for an email she sent to Wildstein calling for “traffic problems in Fort Lee,” allegedly in response to the refusal of the town’s mayor, Mark Sokolich, to endorse Christie in his reelection campaign. Baroni testified before the State Assembly later that year and asserted that the lane closures that backed-up traffic in Fort Lee were part of a “traffic study” — a narrative that prosecutors in the Wildstein case called a “cover story.”

Michael Critchley, attorney for Kelly, said in a news conference that an explanation for her email will be revealed at the trial. He attributed much of the criticism of Kelly to “sexism,” including the New Jersey governor’s statement that she was “stupid” and a “liar.”

Baroni’s attorney, Michael Baldassare, said that his client legitimately believed that the lane closures were necessary for a traffic study.

Wildstein is set to appear in court on Aug. 6 for sentencing, though U.S. Attorney for New Jersey Paul Fishman acknowledged that the date might be delayed until after the charges against Baroni and Kelly are resolved.