Sharpe James & Former Mistress Found Guilty
Karma is a motha.
Verdict reached in Newark ex-
mayor Sharpe James trial
by John P. Martin and MaryAnn Spoto/The Star-Ledger
Wednesday April 16, 2008, 5:43 AM
File photo of Sharpe JamesJurors have reached a verdict in the federal corruption trial of former Newark Mayor Sharpe James. It will be announced shortly. Both were found guilty. Under federal guidelines both could face about seven or eight years in prison.
The six men and six women have been deliberating in federal court in Newark since April 9 on fraud and conspiracy charges against James and his former girlfriend, Tamika Riley. A few minutes ago, they informed the staff of U.S. District Judge William Martini that they had reached a decision.
James is accused of defrauding the city’s taxpayers by rigging the sale of nine city lots to Riley between 2001 and 2005. Riley, a 39-year-old publicist from Jersey City with no development experience, bought the parcels for $46,000 and resold them, sometimes just weeks later, for $665,000. Prosecutors said James used his influence to help Riley steer through the city development process, and never disclosed his relationship when he signed the contracts to sell her the land.
“This is a case about betrayal,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Judith Germano told jurors during her closing argument.
James, 72, who served five terms as mayor and two as state senator, has denied any wrongdoing. His attorneys have argued that Riley got the same treatment as other developers and that the city council – not the mayor – has the ultimate authority in city land deals.
“The question is, where is the evidence? Where is the proof?” defense attorney Thomas Ashley said during his summation.
Forty witnesses testified over five weeks, including police officers, former and current city officials and developers. Neither James nor Riley took the stand. In addition to the conspiracy and fraud charges related to the land deals, Riley faces separate fraud and tax counts for allegedly lying about her income to collect housing subsidies.
Either way, the verdict could reshape the legacy of Newark’s most towering political figure, the onetime gym teacher with an oversized personality who led the state’s largest city as it tried to rise from decades of blight and derision. In 2006, he abandoned a bid for a sixth mayoral term, around the same time the FBI investigation into his dealings was starting to gain steam.
James could still face a second trial on charges that he billed the city for more than $58,000 in personal expenses, meals and lavish vacations with Riley and other women.
Wow! Unbelievable! The system works. Don’t forget James has another trilal to look forward to for the illegal personal use of Newark Police department credit card for trips and luxuries for him, his mistress and other women at the cost of Newark taxpayers which is one reason the city is broke.
I wonder if Sharpe ever took his wife on any vacations? Well, now, she can travel to her hearts desire.
Karma is a motha.
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