September 9, 2008 - 4:56pm
News

Christie won't say if Coniglio is cooperating with probe

Asked today if former State Sen. Joseph Coniglio was cooperating with the federal probe of Bergen County Democratic Chairman Joseph Ferriero and Democratic lawyer Dennis Oury, U.S. Attorney Christopher Christie declined comment.  That'no surprise -- prosecutors typically refuse to reveal details of a criminal investigation. But if Coniglio is helping the Justice Department with their prosecution of Ferriero and Oury, one sign could be a change in lawyers.  Coniglio and Oury are both represented by Gerald Krovatin.  According to one legal expert, Krovatin would need to drop one of the two clients if their cases become intertwined.  

Coniglio, a Democratic State Senator from Bergen County from 2002 to 2008, is facing trial on corruption charges.  On August 20, a federal judge postponed Coniglio's trial until March 2009.

Christie also offered no comment when asked if the ongoing investigation involves any state legislators.

Wally Edge can be reached via email at politicsnj@aol.com.