TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — Lawmakers have accused a former appointee of Gov. Chris Christie of contempt after he refused to answer questions from a legislative committee looking into a scandal involving punitive traffic lane closures.

David Wildstein is asserting his right to remain silent on the advice of his lawyer. Wildstein refused to say where he previously worked, and his lawyer said he would assert the right to remain silent to all questions.

Lawmakers say the contempt charge will be referred to law enforcement.

Wildstein resigned last month as Christie's No. 2 appointee at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

The legislative panel is investigating why the lanes were suddenly closed in September, causing traffic gridlock in Fort Lee. Emails and text messages revealed Wednesday that Christie's aides may have closed the lanes to exact political retribution.