Newark, N.J. – Sharpe James, mayor of this struggling city for 20 years, was indicted Thursday on corruption charges alleging that he spent city money extravagantly on himself and several women, and that he helped one of his companions rake in more than $500,000 on the fraudulent sale of city land.
James, 71, is accused of using city credit cards for more than $58,000 in personal expenses during trips to locations including Martha’s Vineyard, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and Rio de Janeiro.
He’s charged with conspiracy and mail and wire fraud and with engineering the cut-rate sale of city properties.
James, a Democrat who stepped down as mayor last year but remains a state senator, helped bring in development to downtown Newark but failed to make significant progress in combatting crime, poverty and decay in the outlying neighborhoods.
“Sharpe James’ long history in this city is forever scarred by the allegations contained within this indictment today,” U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Christie said. “Sen. James used both his office as mayor and his office as state senator as a personal piggy bank.”
James surrendered to the FBI after the indictment was announced. He appeared in court Thursday afternoon in handcuffs, answering “Yes, I do,” when asked whether he understood the charges he was facing. The judge set bail at $250,000.
Hours after the brief hearing, James walked out of the courthouse with his attorneys, promising vindication.
“I am innocent of all these charges, and I look forward to my day in court where the truth will be told,” he said.
