FBI questions Hoboken mayor’s aides, sources say

[deminks]

Source: MSNBC

FBI agents have begun questioning witnesses in the investigation into whether New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie’s aides threatened to cut off Hurricane Sandy relief money to Hoboken unless the city’s mayor backed a billion-dollar development project, three sources with direct knowledge of the probe told NBC News on Wednesday.

Federal prosecutors and agents have also instructed key witnesses to preserve all documents and emails relating to the allegations by Hoboken Mayor Dawn Zimmer, these sources said.

After Zimmer gave her account of the alleged threat to federal prosecutors on Sunday, federal agents questioned Dan Bryan, Zimmer’s chief of staff, and Juan Melli, her communications director, the sources said.

The two Zimmer aides are among at least five witnesses who Zimmer told the FBI could confirm that she had previously told them about the conversation she says she had with Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno last May. Zimmer has alleged that during that conversation in a parking lot, the lieutenant governor linked Sandy funding to backing of the development project.

(end snip)


Read more: http://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/sources-fbi-questions-hoboken-mayors-aides

[elleng]

1. Rachel just discussed this.

[Cha]

2. Can't wait to see.. thank elleng.

This is interesting..

"David Mello, a member of the Hoboken City Council, told NBC News that Zimmer told him about the Guadagno conversation last summer, either in late July or early August as they were walking home after an event. “I distinctly remember [Zimmer] saying that the lieutenant governor said, ‘If this came out, she would deny it,’” he said.

“I thought it was absurd and outrageous,” said Mello, adding that he pressed Zimmer whether she would speak out publicly about what she said took place. “She told me, ‘It was a done deal that [Christie] was going to be re-elected” and she did not want to jeopardize further funding for the city, he said."


http://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/sources-fbi-questions-hoboken-mayors-aides

[Beacool]

3. The whole thing is unraveling fast.

That's not good news for Christie and his people.

[hrmjustin]

4. Yeah I have to say I am shocked that things are moving fast.

[woodsprite]

5. I hope it continues to pick up momentum and visibility

I was talking to a friend about the Christie issues (she is a dem, older woman) and OMG, she still is giving him the full benefit of the doubt. She believes everyone is inherently good, and he is no exception. She went to his alma mater, so maybe there's some loyalty feelings there. Although I don't think they'll be touting his "Idea Leadership" anytime too soon, as they do with VP Biden.