David Samson, close confidant of Christie, pleads guilty in airline shakedown

[Laxman]

Source: Star-Ledger

David Samson—the embattled former chairman of the powerful Port Authority of New York and New Jersey—pleaded guilty Thursday afternoon to using his considerable clout to coerce one of the nation's largest airlines to accommodate his desire for a regularly scheduled, non-stop flight to a South Carolina summer home.

Samson, 76, a well-connected lawyer and one-time New Jersey attorney general who served in both Democratic and Republican administrations, plead guilty to one charge of bribery for accepting a benefit of more than $5,000 from United Airlines before U.S. District Judge Jose L. Linares.

It was a stunning downfall of a man once respected for his integrity, acumen and ability to get things done behind-the-scenes, came after a nearly two-year investigation by federal prosecutors, sparked by an ongoing inquiry into the Port Authority in the wake of the so-called Bridgegate scandal.

In that case, which led to criminal charges against two members of the governor's inner circle, prosecutors have charged a former Port Authority executive and an aide to Christie with helping orchestrate the 2013 toll lane shutdowns at the George Washington Bridge, allegedly as an act of political retribution against the mayor of Fort Lee after he decline to endorse Christie for re-election.



Read more: http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2016/07/david_samson_port_authority.html#incart_2box_nj-homepage-featured

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Well let's see where this goes. A second high ranking Christie cronie goes down-this one with the goods on everyone. Now we will truly know if Samson is Christie's Delilah (What do you think Malaise?)

[Beach Rat]

1. What about the money?

When is somebody in charge going to ask about the $32,525 in donations to Christie's campaign for governor from these out of state United executives? Doesn't that seem the least bit fishy to Fishman? A bunch of people from Illinois just decide they like Christie so much they just have to make a donation? Samson didn't just shake down United on behalf of himself, they shook them down for campaign donations too. Baroni was in on it too.

[Jim__]

2. I'm sure Christie is absolutely shocked at Samson's betrayal of his trust.

Shocked I tell you!

[Festivito]

3. Not protected by possible VP spot. The fan behind his behind starts a slinging. eom

[yodermon]

4. But nothing about the bridge scandal. Ha ha haaaa

[Laxman]

5. Some Very Interesting Information....

coming out of the press conference after the plea. United Airlines is paying a $2.25 million fine for bribing Samson. Jamie Fox, the United lobbyist and former Christie administration Transportation Commissioner is being charged as well. Fox said to Samson regarding United "you have them dancing" and Samson replied "well let them dance then". What a bunch of corrupt evil scumbags.

That's now 5 top Christie administration members who have been charged with crimes and two who have plead guilty. Not that's the kind of leadership this country needs! How could Trump not have picked Christie as his VP?