Bridgegate judge shoots down attempt by mystery conspirator to keep name private

A federal judge has dismissed an attempt by someone named as an unindicted co-conspirator in the 2013 George Washington Bridge lane-closing case to keep the list of names secret.

Judge Susan Wigenton ruled Friday that the anonymous person failed to show that his rights would be violated by being identified.

An attorney for The Associated Press and other media organizations seeking the names said he was told that the anonymous person will appeal to a federal appeals court.

Wigenton had earlier ruled that the list should be released Friday, but pushed the deadline back to Tuesday to consider the person's request.

In the criminal case, two former allies of Republican Gov. Chris Christie face charges for allegedly creating traffic jams at the bridge for political revenge against a local Democratic mayor.

In a filing earlier in the day, the lawyer for the anonymous person called the argument that her client won't be harmed by the disclosure "absurd."

Media organizations seeking the list of names of unindicted co-conspirators in the George Washington Bridge lane-closing case challenged the attempt to keep the list secret.

Bruce Rosen, an attorney for the organizations, says the motion filed anonymously Thursday was a "frivolous and desperate attempt."

Rosen also said that the anonymous person's claim that he will be branded as a felon is without merit. Rosen noted that an unindicted co-conspirator is someone not charged with a crime.

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