Summary: Bill Baroni has left Hill Wallack LLP
Though his former coworker David Wildstein pleaded guilty to similar charges last Friday, Bill Baroni is claiming he is not guilty for any role in Bridgegate. He is leaving his firm, Hill Wallack LLP, where he’s worked since March 2014, to focus on clearing his name of charges that he played a role in the September 2013 political retribution scheme when George Washington Bridge’s lanes were closed.
“Mr. Baroni left in order to totally focus his efforts on his defense and the vindication of his reputation,” said managing partner Robert W. Bacso in statement. “We wish Bill the best as he works to clear his name.”
So they wish him well and are not at all pushing him out the door. Baroni, for his part, insists on his innocence, saying, in response to the nine-count indictment against him, “I would never risk my career, my job and my reputation for something like this. I am an innocent man.”
His fellow Gov. Chris Christie associate Bridge Kelly likewise is pleading not guilty for the same.
Baroni became a focus of the probe after emails were uncovered from when Baroni was deputy executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. After the scandal gained sway, he resigned in December 2013.