Bridgegate names to remain secret for now, court rules

[Laxman]

Source: NJ.Com

The identities of individuals prosecutors believe were involved in the Bridgegate scandal or its coverup, but were not charged, will remain secret at least for now, an appellate judge ruled Tuesday. In an opinion signed by Circuit Judge Thomas L. Ambro, an appeal by "John Doe," one of the unindicted co-conspirators, is granted temporarily. The order also stays "the public docketing of the list of unindicted co-conspirators."

Ambro ordered a tight schedule of legal briefs to be filed beginning May 23 and culminating in oral arguments before the Third Circuit in Philadelphia June 6.

The ruling is a setback for a consortium of news media organizations, including NJ Advance Media, which petitioned U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton in January to take the cover off the names of those prosecutors identified as unindicted co-conspirators.

Those names have been shared with defense attorneys for former Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Deputy Executive Director Bill Baroni and Bridget Anne Kelly, former deputy chief of staff to Gov. Chris Christie, the two individuals facing charges in the Bridgegate scandal. However, the attorneys are under order not to reveal the names.

Read more: http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2016/05/names_of_bridgegate_individuals.html#incart_river_home

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So much for transparency and disclosure-or the first amendment for that matter. I guess we'll see what happens on June 6.

[Backwoodsrider]

1. wow what a surprise

What, do you mean to tell me there are names on that list the establishment doesn't want to be released?!?! sarcasm off/

Sorry folks it amazes me sometimes what we let people in the establishment get away with.

One thing though Christie is probably not the name. If he were there is no way he would be this close to Trump and or the RNC. No it is probably that rich old lawyer.

The perps of Bridgegate and even the upwardly mobil young republican prosecutor Fishman can kiss my ass. They have worked hard these 3 years taking the teeth out of the Brdgegate scandle so the effect on those in power is limited.

Brdgegate sure got my hopes up though I thought the whole Bridge Authority was going down. That prosecutor Fishman is using a different rulebook than the one most of us must use.

OK I feel better its sunny here in Oregon its time for the national news to give us our 15 seconds of fame. Have a great day everyone!

[jberryhill]

6. "the establishment doesn't want to be released?"

The District Court had already denied the John Doe petition.

John Doe had the right to appeal that to the Third Circuit.

Given that the Third Circuit got the appeal yesterday, are you suggesting the District Court should say, "Well, screw due process, we're not waiting to hear what the circuit court says, so release the names of people who were not indicted"?

[Human101948]

8. We already know that Samson is a crook, how could it hurt his reputation?

And how he has escaped prosecution is beyond me. Blackmailing United into reinstating a money losing flight just so he could get to his vacation home faster on weekends--that's not too corrupt, is it?

[Laxman]

2. And, Under The Category Of....

you just can't make this stuff up, one of the judges for the Third Circuit who could possibly hear this appeal is Marianne Trump Barry- Yes, that is Trump's sister. Now, she's actually a pretty good judge and I'm sure she would recuse herself, if only because of the appearance of impropriety, but good lord, can the playing field ever be level?

[cstanleytech]

3. Ok, for what reason do you think she should step aside other than being Trumps sister?

[Laxman]

4. Let's See.....

this decision has the ability to directly impact the credibility of Mr. Christie. (in fact it's highly likely that disclosure of this list will have direct and serious impact) Mr. Christie has been named the "transition director" for Mr. Trump. Adverse information about Mr. Trump's selected transition director has the very real potential of adversely affecting Mr. Trump. Judge Barry is Mr. Trump's sister. A judge has an ethical obligation to avoid even the appearance of impropriety-it's part of the Code of Judicial Conduct. Probably not the greatest idea to have somebody's sister making decisions on matters that can substantially influence their sibling's future-nor is it allowable under ethics rules.

[winstars]

5. Yeah but other than that.... she is fine right??? LOL Thanks Laxman for all your great info!!

[cstanleytech]

10. I didn't realize Christie had been officially picked by her brother, in that case

then I agree she should consider stepping aside.

[scottie55]

7. 3 Cheers For Secret Government Screwing Drivers

Being exposed could "inconvenience" some.......

[montanacowboy]

9. Shocked I tell you

NOT