Prosecutor Won't Pursue Charges Against Governor Christie

The Bergen County Prosecutor's Office announced Friday it will not pursue charges against Gov. Chris Christie regarding an ethics complaint a North Jersey man filed against the governor in connection with the Bridgegate trial.

Bill Brennan, a North Jersey activist, filed a criminal ethics complaint against Christie in Fort Lee Municipal Court in September, claiming the case and subsequent trial cost taxpayers millions of dollars.

Two former aides to the governor, Bridget Anne Kelly and Bill Baroni, were found guilty of all charges connected to the scandal in a trial involving the Bridgegate political payback scheme that severely damaged Christie's political career.

RELATED: Bridgegate Verdict: 2 Ex-Chris Christie Aides Found Guilty in Criminal Trial

Municipal Judge Roy McGeady found there was enough probable cause to charge Christie with official misconduct. Brennan wanted a special prosecutor appointed to the case, which was denied in November due to a "lack of standing."

Christie filed a request with Superior Court Assignment Judge Bonnie Mizdol to dismiss the charge on the grounds there was "insufficient probable cause," which was denied Jan. 12.

First Assistant Prosecutor John L. Higgins III said that the "matter of this gravity should not have been heard by a municipal court judge" and said in a letter to Mizdol Friday that "prosecution of this matter is unwarranted" and claims that the "charge cannot be proven beyond a reasonable doubt."

"Prosecutors are ethically bound not to seek an indictment in the absence of probable cause," Higgins said in the letter.

Bill Brennan speaking at a press conference announcing his candidacy for governor. — Staff photo

"It vindicates of my position that a special prosecutor is necessary," Brennan said. "This is obstruction of justice and nothing more elegant that that."

A longtime political activist and onetime candidate for a State Assembly seat, Brennan has filed and won lawsuits against Teaneck and Wayne. The Wayne lawsuit involved William Paterson University refusing to broadcast an episode of Breanna's cable access show, "New Jersey Civil Circus."

Brennan announced his candidacy for governor in December. He wants to rid "Trenton of politicians and career businessmen" and is running on the Bernie Sanders platform of running government by the people and for the people.

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Governor Christie — Patch file photo