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NEW YORK (AP) — A law firm that was hired by New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has concluded that Christie didn't know ahead of time about a plot to create gridlock near the George Washington Bridge as political payback to a mayor.
The report, paid for by taxpayers, was released today by former federal prosecutor Randy Mastro. He told reporters that the lane closures didn't reflect the way the governor's office generally operates. Mastro described it as "the action of the few."
Some of the key figures would not cooperate with his probe. That prompted Democrats to question the credibility and thoroughness of the report.
But Mastro says his team was able to review a trove of documents, including emails and text messages involving Christie, the state's lieutenant governor, top office staff and former staff members. He says, "We believe we have gotten to the truth or we wouldn't be reporting it."
Federal prosecutors and state lawmakers are still investigating.
The report also rejects a claim by the mayor of Hoboken, who said Christie's administration told her that relief from Superstorm Sandy would be tied to a private redevelopment plan. According to the report, that claim is "demonstrably false."
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APPHOTO NYRD109: Attorney Randy Mastro holds up a copy of his report during a news conference Thursday, March 27, 2014, in New York. Mastro, with the law firm hired by New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, said Thursday that the governor was not involved in a plot to create gridlock near a major bridge as part of a political retribution scheme. (AP Photo/Richard Drew) (27 Mar 2014)
<<APPHOTO NYRD109 (03/27/14)££
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