July 29, 2008 - The once powerful ex-mayor of Newark, New Jersey, Sharpe James, was sentenced to 27 months in prison, and ordered to pay a $100,000 fine for fraud and conspiracy. His ex-girlfriend, Tamika Riley was sentenced to 15 months in prison. The New Jersey RCFL supported the federal investigation and examined several computers related to the case.

James, 72, served for 20 years as Newark's mayor. In July 2007, a grand jury indicted him on 25 counts and he entered a plea of not guilty. Prosecutors said that James abused his office and facilitated the sale of nine city-owned properties for $46,000 to Ms. Riley from 2001 to 2005. Instead of renovating the properties as required, Riley turned a profit by selling them for $665,000.

James has been a controversial figure in New Jersey politics for many years. He still faces federal corruption chares for abusing city-issued credit cards to cover $58,000 in personal expenses. -end-

-end-