NEWARK, N.J., July 23 (UPI) -- Former Newark, N.J., Mayor Sharpe James pleaded innocent to federal corruption charges.
Both James and his alleged partner Tamika Riley put in pleas of innocent Monday, New York's WABC-TV reported.
James, 71, was charged with using city-issued credit cards to pay for some $58,000 worth of personal trips, which Riley reportedly accompanied him on and expenses, the television station said.
He has also been charged with allegedly selling city-owned properties to Riley at a discounted price.
Riley, 38 pleaded innocent on charges of fraud, stemming from what is being called a scheme to gain profit from reselling the land she purchased from the city at discounted prices. She was also was charged with tax evasion.
James, who said he wouldn't seek a new term as state senator, could be sentenced to 20 years in prison if convicted.
