NEW YORK, NY April 16, 2008 —A federal jury found former Newark Mayor Sharpe James guilty on five separate charges including fraud and conspiracy. Along with his ex-girlfriend, Tamika Riley, James was convicted for illegally flipping city-owned land for personal profit.

Speaking outside the courthouse, U.S. Attorney Chris Christie says he felt like the jury's verdict was vindication for Newark.

CHRISTIE: And all 12 of them in unison said yes, as to each count go louder and louder and what went through my mind sitting there was that was not just the jury speaking those were the voices of the people of this city.

REPORTER: Both James and Riley are currently free on bail. They will be sentenced on July 29.