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Ex-Hunterdon prosecutor pursues claim Gov. Christie influenced his firing
Source: Hunterdon County Democrat/NJ.com
Ex-Hunterdon prosecutor pursues claim Gov. Christie influenced his firing
By Lillian Shupe | Hunterdon County Democrat
on February 20, 2015 at 10:52 AM
A former assistant prosecutor for the Hunterdon County Prosecutor's Office is renewing attempts to obtain grand jury records in a case he says has links to Gov. Chris Christie.
Ben Barlyn claims he was fired after complaining that indictments against Sheriff Deborah Trout, Undersheriff Michael Russo, and investigator John Falat, Jr. were dismissed "for political reasons."
Barlyn had previously been granted access to the grand jury records but the Appellate Division of the Superior Court reversed the lower court's decision after the state appealed. However, the appellate judges did not prohibit Barlyn from refiling his request if he came up with additional information to show that he had a particularized need for the requested information.
According to a brief filed by his attorney, John Lytle on Feb. 17, the reasons cited by the appellate judges for keeping the grand jury records no longer apply. The brief also provides evidence that there are strong ties between Trout, Russo and Falat and Gov. Christie supporting Barlyn's claim that the dismissal of the indictments was politically motivated.
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By Lillian Shupe | Hunterdon County Democrat
on February 20, 2015 at 10:52 AM
A former assistant prosecutor for the Hunterdon County Prosecutor's Office is renewing attempts to obtain grand jury records in a case he says has links to Gov. Chris Christie.
Ben Barlyn claims he was fired after complaining that indictments against Sheriff Deborah Trout, Undersheriff Michael Russo, and investigator John Falat, Jr. were dismissed "for political reasons."
Barlyn had previously been granted access to the grand jury records but the Appellate Division of the Superior Court reversed the lower court's decision after the state appealed. However, the appellate judges did not prohibit Barlyn from refiling his request if he came up with additional information to show that he had a particularized need for the requested information.
According to a brief filed by his attorney, John Lytle on Feb. 17, the reasons cited by the appellate judges for keeping the grand jury records no longer apply. The brief also provides evidence that there are strong ties between Trout, Russo and Falat and Gov. Christie supporting Barlyn's claim that the dismissal of the indictments was politically motivated.
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Read more: http://www.nj.com/hunterdon-county-democrat/index.ssf/2015/02/ex-prosecutor_renews_quest_for_grand_jury_transcri.html
