Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Sharpe James

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 12, 2025

Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Sharpe James.

Sharpe James was a prominent American politician who served as the mayor of Newark, New Jersey, from 1986 to 2006, making him the city's longest-serving mayor. He also served as a state senator. His political career was marked by both popularity and controversy, including a close mayoral election challenge from Cory Booker documented in the film *Street Fight*. James's career ended after his conviction on corruption charges in 2008, effectively ending his political career.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

1996: Chief of Staff Charged with Bribery

In 1996, Sharpe James's chief of staff, Jackie Mattison, was charged in federal court with receiving over $17,000 in bribes.

2000: Chief of Staff Released from Prison

In 2000, Sharpe James's chief of staff, Jackie Mattison, was released from federal prison.

2002: Received City Hall-Issued Debit Card

In 2002, Sharpe James received a City Hall-issued debit card.

2004: Sponsored Senate Bill 967

In 2004, Sharpe James sponsored Senate Bill 967 to amend the Faulkner Act, with prosecutors alleging he urged passage to increase his power and benefit himself illegally.

2005: OPRA Request Reveals Personal Expenses

In 2005, a New Jersey Open Public Records Act (OPRA) request revealed that Sharpe James had spent over $70,000 with a City Hall-issued debit card for personal expenses over a two-year period.

August 2006: OPRA Request Reveals Credit Card Spending and U.S. Attorney Issues Subpoenas

In August 2006, an OPRA request revealed that Sharpe James had spent over $80,000 with a credit card provided by the Newark Police Department for several vacations. On August 21, the U.S. Attorney's Office issued subpoenas for debit and credit card records.

March 2007: Senator Wayne R. Bryant Indicted

In March 2007, Senator Wayne R. Bryant, under whom Sharpe James served as vice chairman of the Senate budget committee, was indicted for corruption charges.

March 2007: Federal Investigation into City Lot Sales

In March 2007, federal investigators subpoenaed documents between Sharpe James and Tamika Riley under accusations that James rigged the sale of city lots to Riley.

February 26, 2008: Trial Opens

On February 26, 2008, Sharpe James's trial opened, with lawyers maintaining he had not violated federal law.

June 2009: Attempt to Expunge Convictions Fails

In June 2009, Sharpe James' attorney attempted to convince an appellate court to expunge the convictions, although his efforts failed.

April 6, 2010: Granted Early Release

On April 6, 2010, Sharpe James was granted early release after 18 months served and was banned from running for elected office.

September 2010: Conviction Overturned, Remaining Unchanged

In September 2010, one of Sharpe James's convictions was overturned, but the four remaining convictions were left unchanged.

2011: Lawsuit Filed by Election Law Enforcement Commission

In 2011, the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission filed a lawsuit against Sharpe James alleging improper use of campaign funds.

August 17, 2012: Ruled in Favor of Commission

On August 17, 2012, the New Jersey Superior Court ruled in favor of the commission and ordered that both Sharpe James and Johnson had to pay the money back.