March 3, 2008 - 3:09pm

Sharpe James trial update

Delivering an opening argument against former Newark Mayor Sharpe James in U.S. District Court today, the prosecution contended that James failed to disclose the nature of his relationship with Tamika Riley.

The U.S. Attorney’s office says James, who is standing trial for fraud, never revealed that Riley was his girlfriend, even as he steered nine city properties to her at $46,000 before selling them to private developers for a total of $665,000.

James sat in federal court before District Court Judge William J. Martini and listened to the prosecution's opening statement, as did Riley, who is also facing numerous charges.