Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Judge Rules Chris Christie Bridgegate Misconduct Case Can Move Forward
By
Ben Yakas
Published Feb 16, 2017
Modified Feb 16, 2017
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
Alex Wong/Getty Images
By
Ben Yakas
Published Feb 16, 2017
Modified Feb 16, 2017
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
A year ago, a dead-eyed Chris Christie was debasing himself on national television in an attempt to charm his way into a cabinet position in Donald Trump's administration. As recently as last November, he still seemed "poised" for a White House job of some sort. And earlier this week, after Christie had lunch with Trump amid major personnel upheaval, Yahoo declared, "Trump’s in trouble. Is it Christie time already?"
But Christie should probably put any potential White House ambitions on the backburner, since he still has some pesky legal issues to deal with at home. A judge has found probable cause for a citizen's misconduct complaint to proceed against Christie for his role in the Bridgegate scandal. But hey, Christie might get the chance to answer the age-old question: can you host a successful sports talk radio show from prison?
Judge Roy McGeady had previously ruled in October that the case had merit to proceed, but a state Superior Court Judge overturned his decision and kicked it back to McGeady's court for another hearing Thursday. Again, McGeady found there was probable cause for the complaint, despite statements last month from the Bergen County prosecutor's office that it would not pursue charges.
The complaint, filed by former Teaneck firefighter William Brennan, accuses Christie of failing to stop subordinates from purposely creating traffic jams to punish a Democratic mayor who didn't endorse him for reelection.
Last fall, former aide Bridget Kelly testified that Christie knew about the planned lane closures on the GW Bridge when they were first proposed and that he once threw a water bottle at her in anger. Both Kelly and fellow aide Bill Baroni were found guilty on all counts related to Bridgegate; their testimony was quoted in Brennan's complaint.
Brian Murray, press secretary for Christie, said in a statement that McGeady is "violating the law, pure and simple...This concocted claim was investigated for three months by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s office, which summarily dismissed it, after concluding that the very same evidence relied upon again by this judge was utter nonsense. That is exactly what it is. The law requires this judge to have done the same. This is a complete non-event."
At least Christie has good friends like Trump who'll definitely have his back, no matter what comes.
Tagged
bridgegate
Chris Christie
corruption
donald trump
new jersey
Ben Yakas
Ben Yakas is a former Gothamist reporter.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
NY Archdiocese will soon settle $800M clergy sexual abuse claims
The deal would compensate over 1,300 alleged victims and help the church avoid bankruptcy.
By
Arya Sundaram
Published Oct 24, 2026 at 6:31 p.m. ET
Chinatown residents file lawsuit against after-hours construction on new 'mega jail'
Residents cite sleep disruption and dust-induced illness from nearly ‘round the clock’ construction.
By
Arya Sundaram
News
Chinatown residents file lawsuit against after-hours construction on new 'mega jail'
Residents cite sleep disruption and dust-induced illness from nearly ‘round the clock’ construction.
By
Arya Sundaram
Peepapalooza: NYC is heading to the Hudson Valley to watch the leaves
By
Elizabeth Shwe
and
Sean Carlson
NYPD: Officer shot, injured knife-wielding woman during ‘chaotic’ night at Queens home
By
Ryan Kost
3 slates vying to run Jersey City school board as city stares down major tax hikes
By
Michael Sol Warren
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .