A judge rejected a request Wednesday to delay the trial of former Newark Mayor Sharpe James.

The request was submitted by defense attorney Thomas Ashley, who feels six months is not enough time to go through 40 boxes of information turned over by the state. Ashley also argues there is not enough time to interview possible witnesses from around the country.

James? defense team also told the judge they don?t believe their client will get a fair trial in Newark.

James has been charged with charging $58,000 on city credit cards for lavish vacations and engineering cut-rate sales of city-owned property to a companion.

The trial date is scheduled for February 4.

For more on James? time in court, go to channel 612 on your iO digital cable box and select iO Extra.

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