New Jersey mayor targeted by GW Bridge closure scheme says indictment a 'punch in the gut'

FORT LEE, N.J. — A New Jersey mayor targeted for political retribution for not supporting Gov. Chris Christie's re-election effort in 2013 said that indictments in the case Friday were a "punch in the gut."

After a former Christie ally pleaded guilty to conspiracy in his role in the scheme to shutdown lanes of the George Washington Bridge, Fort Lee Mayor Mark Sokolich said it was "reprehensible" and "despicable" that the plotters allegedly targeted the first day of school to further hurt residents.

David Wildstein, a former high-ranking official at the transportation agency that operates the bridge, pleaded guilty Friday; two others were charged in an indictment.

"If you want to get me, get me," Sokolich said, adding that he wants the truth to come out. "And I want to make sure that from the truth this never happens again."

Here's a look at where the case stands:

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THE PLEA

The lane closures caused four massive morning traffic jams in September 2013.

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THE CHARGES

Christie's former deputy chief of staff, Bridget Kelly, and his former top appointee at the Port Authority, Bill Baroni, were each charged with seven criminal counts including wire fraud and civil rights depravation.

U.S. Attorney Paul Fishman says Wildstein, Kelly and Baroni used public resources for political purposes.

Kelly and Baroni are due in court Monday for arraignments.

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CHRISTIE'S ROLE

Christie, who is considering seeking the Republican presidential nomination next year, was not implicated in the indictment.

Christie says the indictment supports his position from the beginning that he had nothing to do with the lane closures or cover-up.