Reports: Federal investigators have opened criminal investigation of Gov. Chris Christie


A free daily digest of the biggest news stories of the day - and the best features from our website
Thank you for signing up to TheWeek. You will receive a verification email shortly.
There was a problem. Please refresh the page and try again.
Federal prosecutors in New Jersey have opened a criminal investigation of Gov. Chris Christie (R-N.J.) and members of his administration, centering on allegations that then-Attorney General Paula Dow quashed a grand jury investigation of Christie supporters, reports David Sirota at The International Business Times. ABC News confirmed the news, calling the investigation in its early stages.
Both reports are based on interviews with former Hunterdon County prosecutor Bennett Barlyn, who was fired in 2010 for, he says, objecting to Dow taking control of and ending the investigation into the country sheriff and two subordinates, all Christie backers. (A Christie spokesman called the allegations "conspiratorial nonsense" back in 2010.) Barlyn says now that he was recently interviewed by U.S. prosecutor Paul Fishman, and handed over a thumb drive of documents he obtained while pursuing his own state whistleblower lawsuit. A "significant" portion of the interview focused on Christie himself, Barlyn tells The International Business Times.
Fisherman's office "is also investigating the George Washington Bridge lane closures scandal that has jeopardized the governor's political future," ABC News notes. "The Christie administration is also being investigated by the Manhattan District Attorney's office, the Port Authority inspector general, and a state legislative committee that is part of the Democratic-controlled New Jersey State Legislature."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Continue reading for free
We hope you're enjoying The Week's refreshingly open-minded journalism.
Subscribed to The Week? Register your account with the same email as your subscription.
Sign up to our 10 Things You Need to Know Today newsletter
A free daily digest of the biggest news stories of the day - and the best features from our website
Peter Weber is a senior editor at TheWeek.com, and has handled the editorial night shift since the website launched in 2008. A graduate of Northwestern University, Peter has worked at Facts on File and The New York Times Magazine. He speaks Spanish and Italian and plays bass and rhythm cello in an Austin rock band. Follow him on Twitter.
-
Elix, part of Mar-Bella Collection review: a Greek beachside oasis
The Week Recommends This family-friendly resort offers access to a beautiful beach
By Kaye O'Doherty Published
-
The Indigenous referendum splitting the Australian public
The Explainer The referendum would form a federal body of Aboriginal people in Australia
By Justin Klawans Published
-
Who is Laphonza Butler, California's new senator and champion of labor?
Why Everyone's Talking About Butler has served as the president of pro-choice advocacy group EMILY's List
By Justin Klawans Published
-
More than 2,000 dead following massive earthquake in Morocco
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published
-
Mexico's next president will almost certainly be its 1st female president
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published
-
North Korea's Kim to visit Putin in eastern Russia to discuss arms sales for Ukraine war, U.S. says
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published
-
Gabon's military leader sworn in following coup in latest African uprising
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published
-
Nobody seems surprised Wagner's Prigozhin died under suspicious circumstances
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published
-
Western mountain climbers allegedly left Pakistani porter to die on K2
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published
-
'Circular saw blades' divide controversial Rio Grande buoys installed by Texas governor
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published
-
Los Angeles city workers stage 1-day walkout over labor conditions
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published