Christie allies convicted in Bridgegate scandal

Two former aides to New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie were found guilty today of all charges in the “Bridgegate” scandal. Christie still denies any knowledge of the plot to close off access lanes to the George Washington Bridge in September 2013. Bridget Kelly, Christie’s former deputy chief of staff, and Bill Baroni, a Christie appointee to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, were convicted on charges including conspiracy, misapplying the property of the Port Authority, wire fraud, and deprivation of civil rights. Prosecutors argued the pair worked to close off lanes at the foot of the nation’s busiest bridge to create a traffic gridlock and punish the Democratic mayor of Fort Lee, N.J., for not endorsing Christie. Sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 21. The most serious charges carry up to 20 years in prison. Both defendants announced plans to appeal the ruling.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.