Jurors await closing arguments in Sharpe James trial

Closing arguments in the corruption trial of former Newark Mayor Sharpe James and Tamika Riley will be heard next week.
Jurors were sent home Thursday after listening to the testimony of Newark attorney Barbara Daniels, the defense's final witness. Daniels represented Riley in the controversial sale and purchase of a property in the pair's alleged misdealings.
James has been accused of using his power as mayor to sell city-owned properties to Riley, his alleged mistress. Riley is then accused of selling the properties without making the required rehabilitations.
Defense attorneys tried to show Riley didn't know she was violating the city agreement by selling the land immediately through Daniels' testimony. Daniels told jurors she didn't advise Riley that the transaction could be a breach of contract.
The prosecution countered those claims, saying Daniels was never asked by Riley for legal advice.
Closing arguments are set to begin Monday.
Prosecution rests in Sharpe James corruption trial Newark officials testify in ex-mayor's corruption trial