No surprises here, but nevertheless a great day for justice in America.  The depravity under Sharpe James knew no bounds -- and, at long last, he will pay the price.

 

Unfortunately, Newark residents will also pay the price for his misrule, as he's left a huge budget deficit, a culture of corruption, etc. that will take even Cory Booker some time to fix -- but he's off to a great start!

 

Here's a NYT article, followed by today's NYT editorial.

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Former Mayor of Newark Is Indicted 

By DAVID KOCIENIEWSKI

Published: July 13, 2007

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/13/nyregion/13james.html

NEWARK, July 12 — Sharpe James, the former mayor who towered over politics in this city for two decades and was a charismatic if combative cheerleader as it struggled to regain businesses and middle-class residents, was indicted on Thursday on charges of using city credit cards for personal expenses and letting a companion buy municipal property for a fraction of its worth.

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July 14, 2007

Editorial

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/14/opinion/14sat4.html

The People v. Sharpe James

Sharpe James, the former mayor of Newark who was indicted this week on corruption charges, has for years exhibited a finger-in-the-eye arrogance. Still, the 33-count indictment against him is stunning, most of all for the list of luxuries he allegedly charged to taxpayers of his impoverished city. Among the standouts: multiple tropical vacations and a trip to Florida to test drive a Rolls-Royce.