Witnesses Vouch For Defendant Baroni's Character At Bridgegate Trial
NEWARK, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- The defense resumed presenting its case Friday in the Bridgegate trial, portraying defendant Bill Baroni as a decent and honest man.
As WCBS 880's Peter Haskell reported, the government portrayed Baroni as a scheming operative whose sole mission was to placate his political benefactor.
Gov. Chris Christie appointed Baroni as the top New Jersey official at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
Now, the defense is making its case. Character witnesses testified Friday about Baroni's decency and honesty.
Baroni and Bridget Kelly, Christie's deputy chief of staff, are currently on trial on allegations that lanes were closed on the George Washington Bridge as political retribution directed at Fort Lee Mayor Mark Sokolich, who chose not to endorse Christie's re-election bid.
Both defense attorneys made a motion to dismiss the charges.
"He just argued it's a matter of law that the government has not proved its case and has not established the elements necessary to go forward," said Kelly attorney Michael Critchley.
Baroni is expected to take the stand on Monday.