David Samson, Gov. Chris Christie Ally, Disbarred

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Summary: Former New Jersey attorney general and Port Authority Chairman David Samson, an ally of Gov. Chris Christie, had his license suspended for bribery.

Despite what Gov. Chris Christie describes as a “lapse in judgment,” former Port Authority Chairman David Samson was been disbarred by a federal court. Samson admitted to bribing United Airlines to fly a route from Newark to an airport near his South Carolina vacation home to benefit himself.

  

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Christie has long defended Samson, calling him an “extraordinary person.” He served as attorney general in 2002 and 2003. The 77-year-old man also faces the federal guideline sentence of probation up to 24 months in prison. Sentencing will be in March.

Chief federal judge for the District of New Jersey, Jerome B. Simandle, issued the authorization that “disbarred and permanently restrained and enjoined him from the practice of law before this court.” Samson voluntarily consented to a permanent suspension a week before the order.

This case emerged after the Bridgegate investigation that tarnished Christie’s administration. Christie has several other allies facing court action soon. Jamie Fox, the former state Transportation Commissioner and United Airlines lobbyist, helped Samson setup the flight arrangement. He is facing a conspiracy criminal charge. David Wildstein pleaded guilty to two counts and testified against Bill Baroni and Bridget Anne Kelly. Baroni and Kelly are seeking new trials.

Do you think Samson will get any prison time? Tell us your predictions in the comments below.

To learn more about the Bridgegate scandal, read these articles:

• Chris Christie’s Misconduct May Cost Him 10 Years in Prison
• Bill Baroni Leaves Hill Wallack to Focus on Exonerating His Name
• Michael Drewniak Interviewed by U.S. Prosecutors

Photo: nytimes.com