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• May 12, 2008 11:39 am US/Eastern
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  Remaining Charges Against Sharpe James Dismissed

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Remaining Charges Against Sharpe James Dismissed

NEWARK (AP) ― The U.S. Attorney's Office said Monday it is dropping fraud charges against former Newark Mayor Sharpe James. The decision means James will not face a second trial.

James, 72, was accused of scheming to steer city-owned properties to his mistress and of using city credit cards for personal expenses.

James was convicted last month on all five charges he faced in his first trial -- including fraud and conspiracy.

He was scheduled for another trial on additional fraud charges in early July.

U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Christie said in a statement that another conviction would not have meant a significantly longer prison sentence for James. Prosecutors say he'll likely get a prison term of 10 to 15 years for the corruption conviction.

Prosecutors also said another trial would have taken a lot of time and government resources.

As part of an agreement to dismiss the additional charges, the government has the right to reintroduce them if any part of the earlier conviction is overturned on appeal.

Sentencing in that case is scheduled for July 29 for both James and the former mistress, Tamika Riley.

(© 2008 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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