Ex-Newark Mayor James Convicted, Faces Up to 12 Years

Sharpe James, the former mayor of Newark,N.J., may face up to 12 years in federal prison after a jury yesterday found the ex-politician guilty on all 13 counts of corruption charges related to a real-estate flipping scheme.

U.S. District Judge William Martini allowed James, 72, to be free on bail until his sentencing date of July 29.

"It is a sad day as a jury of citizens confirmed the betrayal of the public trust by a longstanding and well-known public official," Gov. Jon Corzine said in a prepared statement. "Any of the good works done by Mayor James are now overshadowed by this corruption conviction. While unfortunate for the citizens of Newark, it is gratifying to see the justice system work. I commend the efforts of the U.S. attorneys and New Jersey's attorney general's office. Their joint work is a model for our continuing cooperation."

James, a Democrat, was convicted of using his influence as mayor to steer Newark redevelopment projects to his former companion, Tamika Riley, who then sold the properties shortly afterwards without the anticipated upgrades and renovations. Riley took in more than $600,000 in real-estate profits from quick sales on city properties and was also found guilty of fraud and conspiracy charges.

In one transaction, Riley bought a Newark property for $6,000 on Aug. 3, 2001, and then sold it for $155,000 almost four months later. Another deal involved Riley purchasing a $4,000 property on Feb. 17, 2005, and selling it within three weeks for $100,000.

James was mayor of Newark, the state's most populous city, for 20 years, from 1986 to 2006. He also served as a state senator for Essex and Union for two terms beginning in 1999. He was indicted in July and his conviction follows a five-week trial in which he declined to testify.

The charismatic former mayor may face other criminal allegations, including charging $58,000 on a city credit card for personal items such as a five-day trip to Rio de Janeiro and advance payment for a suite on a cruise-ship.

 

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