New jersey judge sides with governor, ag in document obstruction case

Newark, NJ – A federal magistrate judge has ruled against Blueprint Capital Advisors in its latest battle over state records, upholding New Jersey officials’ decision to shield three documents under executive privilege.

The investment firm had objected to a May 8 recommendation from a Special Discovery Master, who reviewed the records in dispute and found they were protected. The documents were withheld by state officials including Jason MacDonald, Christopher McDonough, Corey Amon, Dini Ajmani, Derrick Green, George Helmy, and Attorney General Matthew Platkin.

Blueprint Capital argued the records should be disclosed, but U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael A. Hammer overruled the objection in a written opinion issued Monday. Hammer adopted the Special Discovery Master’s findings in full, siding with the state defendants.

The ruling follows a lengthy series of disputes over privilege claims in the high-profile case, which stems from Blueprint’s lawsuit alleging discrimination and retaliation by New Jersey officials in connection with investment management contracts. The court has previously addressed conflicts over the deliberative process privilege, ordering revised privilege logs and in camera reviews of documents submitted by both sides.

In this round, the contested materials included three documents flagged by Blueprint that the state said implicated executive privilege.

After reviewing arguments and submissions, the court concluded the privilege applied and the records would remain sealed.

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The case continues as discovery disputes over other records and communications remain ongoing.

Key Points

Blueprint Capital Advisors challenged New Jersey’s use of executive privilege to withhold three documents.
Judge Michael Hammer overruled the objection and upheld the Special Discovery Master’s recommendation.
The decision leaves the contested documents shielded from disclosure.

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