Closing Arguments in Sharpe James Trial

WNYC News | Jul 12, 2010

New York, NY —

Federal prosecutors are making their closing arguments today in the trial of former Newark Mayor Sharpe James. He is accused of arranging for the sale of nine city-owned properties at a discounted rate of $46,000 to Tamika Riley, his one-time girlfriend.

Prosecutors say Riley quickly flipped the land for more than 10 times what she paid without ever starting required rehabilitation work on most of them.

James's lawyers have argued that the Newark City Council, not he, had final approval over the land sales.

James was mayor of Newark for 20 years, until 2006. Summations from his defense are scheduled for tomorrow.

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