January 12, 2017
New Jersey’s governor lost an appeal to have an official misconduct complaint about Bridgegate tossed out.
But a new probable cause hearing – with the governor appearing in court – will be held, according to court documents, Patch.com reports.
No new date was set, the online news site said.
The misconduct charge filed by a citizen activist stems from testimony at the trial of two of his former allies which suggested that Christie knew the lane closings at the George Washington Bridge were a political payback scheme.
The new probable cause hearing is pending despite the previous hearing.
But a judge on Wednesday found a "denial of counsel prevented the court from engaging in a proper evaluation of the evidence," and granted a new probable cause hearing.
Christie has repeatedly denied he has foreknowledge of the lane closings.
The Bridgegate scandal has killed Christie's poll ratings and is considered a significant factor in being passed over as running mate for then-GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump last year.
Official misconduct is punishable by a potential prison term of five to 10 years upon conviction.
But before Christie could face a criminal trial, prosecutors would have to collect evidence and present it to a grand jury, which would have to hand up an indictment.
To read the entire Patch account, click here.
