Prosecution rests in Sharpe James corruption trial

After 25 days and 33 witnesses, federal prosecutors rested their case Friday in the corruption trial of former Newark Mayor Sharpe James. James and his alleged mistress Tamika Riley are standing trial

News 12 Staff

Mar 28, 2008, 10:47 PM

Updated 6,136 days ago

Share:

After 25 days and 33 witnesses, federal prosecutors rested their case Friday in the corruption trial of former Newark Mayor Sharpe James.
James and his alleged mistress Tamika Riley are standing trial for conspiracy and fraud charges. The pair allegedly used their personal relationship to financially benefit Riley's company through the sale of city-owned properties.
The prosecution's final witness was Special Agent Michael Doyle, an FBI investigator. Doyle analyzed hours of Riley's personal records.
The defense has yet to present its case. Defense attorneys are expected to argue that Newark's City Council had final say on the acquisitions, not the former mayor.
Defense attorneys are also maintaining that the sales were part of a city redevelopment initiative and that the properties were made available to everyone. They also say Riley did not pay more or less than anyone else.
Monday is an off day for the jury. The prosecution will begin to sum up its case Tuesday. Riley and James' attorneys will then begin their defense.
Newark officials testify in ex-mayor's corruption trial Ex-Newark mayor's aide takes stand at corruption trial