Mike Davis

@byMikeDavis

TRENTON - Who is Bridgegate's "John Doe"?

New Jerseyans will have to wait at least a few more weeks to find out.

The U.S. Third Circuit Court of Appeals on Tuesday granted Doe a stay preventing the federal government from releasing a list bearing the names of people who allegedly were involved, but not charged, in the politically motivated George Washington Bridge lane closures of 2013.

The court scheduled oral arguments in Philadelphia for June 6, to "allow a full panel of this Court the opportunity to consider the merits of this case." Attorneys for both Doe and a coalition of media outlets, who sued to have the names released, must file briefs arguing whether the hearing should be open to the public, according to the court order.

It's the second delay in five days since U.S. Judge Susan Wigenton ordered the federal government to hand over the list of names.

MORE: Judge delays Bridgegate co-conspirator list

Federal prosecutors argued that publication of the list would invade the alleged co-conspirators' privacy without giving them an opportunity to defend themselves. Wigenton disagreed, stating that those listed are likely to be public figures with no reasonable expectation of privacy.

The disclosures, originally scheduled for Friday, were delayed after an unnamed person filed a last-ditch motion to prevent the release. Wigenton ruled against "John Doe" since his motion wasn't filed until the case had already been decided.

"This court does not take the identification of unindicted co-conspirators lightly, recognizing the possible reputational consequences of such a revelation," Wigenton wrote in her Friday court order. "However, here, this court has given Doe notice and an opportunity to be heard and has thoroughly considered his privacy interests in determining that the Conspirator Letter should be made public."

Q&A: Your guide to the GWB controversy

Gov. Chris Christie has not been charged in the traffic-causing scheme, which the government said was orchestrated to punish the mayor of Fort Lee for refusing to back Christie's re-election.

Christie has denied any knowledge of the plot, but three former allies of the governor were charged in the scheme. David Wildstein, a former Port Authority executive, pleaded guilty last year to conspiracy charges. Christie's former deputy chief of staff, Bridget Anne Kelly, and former Port Authority deputy director Bill Baroni both pleaded not guilty to wire fraud and civil rights deprivation charges.

EDITORIAL: The high cost of self-interest

Mike Davis: 732-643-4223; mdavis@gannettnj.com