Judge Dismisses Request For Special Prosecutor In Bridgegate Complaint

A judge has dismissed a request for a special prosecutor in an ethics complaint filed against Governor Chris Christie.

In a decision filed Friday, Superior Court Judge Bonnie J. Mizdol ruled that Bill Brennan, a Democratic gubernatorial candidate, because he "lacks standing to petition the court." Mizdol referenced the "law of the case" doctrine and would not consider Brennan request, the third such one he has made since filing the complaint in September.

Brennan a former Teaneck, and current Wayne resident, has fought for a special prosecutor regarding the now-dismissed official misconduct complaint. The Bergen County Prosecutor's Office dismissed the complaint March 2.`

Brennan claims a conflict of interest exists with any of the county prosecutors, who are appointed by Christie, making a decision regarding his ethics complaint against Christie. He said he is going to appeal the Mizdol's decision.

Mizdol said in the decision Friday that, "there is nothing in the record to suggest the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office arbitrarity dismissed the complaint in lieu of conducting a thorough investigation and soundly exercising its discretion to dismiss.

"The court is satisfied that the [prosecutor's office] exercised its duties in good faith and with sound discretion, carefully examining available evidence, the law, and the facts," Mizdol stated.

RELATED: Prosecutor Dismisses Complaint Against Governor Christie

Brennan's complaint grew out of testimony in the September Bridgegate trial that suggested Christie knew all about the scandal while the political payback scheme was happening — and he knew why it was being done.

Christie knew that his associates were involved in a plan to shut down lanes leading to the bridge and that the closings were intended to punish the Fort Lee mayor for declining to support his 2013 reelection bid, according to testimony from the trial.

"This is not over, any state Grand Jury in New Jersey may investigate and indict Governor Christie for Second Degree Official Misconduct," Brennan said. "The government of NJ is a racketeering influenced corrupt organization, I intend to change that with the help of fellow concerned citizens."

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Bill Brennan — Patch file photo