Request For Special Prosecutor in Christie Bridgegate Criminal Complaint Case Denied

A judge has denied a request to appoint a special prosecutor to review a criminal complaint filed against Gov. Chris Christie in the "Bridgegate" lane-closings case.

Superior Court Judge Bonnie Mizdol made the ruling on Friday. Here is clip of her decision:

Mizdol said that people who serve in prosecutorial roles need to act as prosecutors, and there was no way that an attorney from outside the Attorney General's Office or a prosecutor's office could effectively execute the matter.

The ruling from Mizdol was quoted by nj.com as saying she would take oral arguments Wednesday in the Bergen County Courthouse and likely make a ruling by the end of the week.

"I want everyone to understand that this court is very mindful of the heightened concern for conflict," Mizdol said in the report. "I will reflect upon your arguments."

Christie has agreed to appear in court after getting a criminal summons for official misconduct allegations connected to the George Washington Bridge lane-closings scandal, according to court documents.

Christie was scheduled to appear in state Superior Court in Hackensack, Bergen County, on Nov. 23, but Mizdol signed an order setting oral arguments for Jan. 11.

Judge Roy F. McGeady has found probable cause to investigate a complaint of official misconduct against Christie related to the George Washington Bridge lane-closure scandal.

The scandal has impacted Christie politically, with his approval nearing record-low levels for a New Jersey governor and his inability - so far - to secure a position in the administration of President-elect Donald Trump.

Read more: Chris Christie's Big Announcement: 'I Am Completing My Term' [Video]

However, he's apparently now interested in becoming chairman of the Republican National Committee.

Read more: Actually, Chris Christie May Be Pushing To Leave N.J.: Reports

McGeady, the presiding judge for the municipal courts in the Bergen Vicinage, issued the ruling in favor of North Jersey political activist Bill Brennan, who filed the complaint on Sept. 30. Brennan's complaint stems from testimony in the ongoing Bridgegate trial.

McGeady said he was "satisfied that there's probable cause to believe that an event of official misconduct was caused by Gov. Christie" and issued the summons.

"When the governor conspires to turn the power of the government against the people, it becomes a totalitarian regime and it is a crime of highest order," Brennan said Thursday after the ruling was issued. "A firm and direct stand against this dangerous abusive authority must be taken and an example must be made of him."

The governor's office vowed to immediately appeal the ruling.

Patch file photo