Jury seated for New Jersey bridge lane-closing trial

George Washington Bridge (Richard Drew/AP Photo

George Washington Bridge (Richard Drew/AP Photo

A jury has been selected for the trial of two former allies of New Jersey Republican Gov. Chris Christie charged with causing traffic gridlock at the George Washington Bridge three years ago.

The panel will hear opening statements Monday in federal court in Newark.

Bill Baroni and Bridget Kelly face fraud and civil rights charges. They’re accused of reducing access lanes to the bridge in the town of Fort Lee to punish the town’s Democratic mayor for not endorsing Christie.

Baroni was a top Christie appointee to the bridge authority. Kelly is Christie’s former deputy chief of staff.

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Christie wasn’t charged. But he is sure to be mentioned during the trial and could be subpoenaed to testify.

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