A sitting Newark judge and a Newark police officer testified Wednesday in the corruption trial of former Mayor Sharpe James and his alleged mistress, Tamika Riley.
Municipal Court Judge Joanne Watson was asked by the prosecution to scrutinize land contracts handled by James during his time in office. The former mayor of Newark has been accused of using his influence to net huge profits for Riley through land deals.
Police Officer Robert Moore was also called to the stand. Moore was asked to explain a series of encounters between Riley and James that occurred when the officer served on the mayor's security staff. Moore discussed Broadway shows the pair attended, encounters at a Newark motel and trips to Sag Harbor and the Dominican Republic.
Watson will be called for cross examination on Thursday. City Councilman Augusto Amador is expected to take the stand following the judge.
Ex-Newark mayor's aide takes stand at corruption trial