The Port Authority has launched its own investigation of a PAPD lieutenant who sent text messages that suggest he had advance knowledge of the George Washington Bridge lane closings that led to traffic nightmares in Fort Lee.
Thomas “Chip” Michaels, a 15-year veteran, apparently knew on Sept. 8 of the plan. “Sir, is there going to be new traffic installed for Monday the 9th?” Michaels texted PAPD Capt. Darcy Licorish the day before the closures began.
The following morning, Michaels texted David Wildstein, Gov. Chris Christie’s point man at the PA, about how Fort Lee bridge traffic was “fkd up here.”
And on the 10th, he provided Wildstein with another text update: “Local ft lee traffic disaster.”
A PA spokesman said Michaels’ status is “under review,’’ The lieutenant’s union declined to comment.
The probe of Michaels, whose brother, Jeffrey, is a prominent lobbyist, was ordered by PA Executive Director Patrick Foye. It will be carried out by the agency’s inspector general and the PAPD chief of department.
Christie has insisted he had no advance knowledge of the closings, allegedly ordered by his associates to punish Fort Lee Mayor Mark Sokolich for not endorsing him in last November’s election.
The state legislature and the US Attorney’s Office are also investigating the closings.