Sharpe James, the infamous five-time mayor of Newark who was convicted of fraud, was mugged yesterday in Newark. The 77-year-old was apparently put in a chokehold while the suspect took his gold chain. Now, the police say they have arrested someone.
According to James's son, his father had been standing on the 1100 block of Bergen Street when he was approached around 4 p.m. John Sharpe James said, "It happened so quick — the kid came up from behind. He thought somebody was joking with him."
James was not injured, but other residents were upset. One told WABC 7, "Got the ex-mayor out here, minding his business and these, whoever they are, thugs, it is totally unnecessary," and another said, "I guess the guy thought he was an average guy and did what he did, that's all."
The Newark police will release more details about the arrest later. James was sentenced to 27 months for his fraud conviction—when he returned to Newark in 2010, his supporters had signs saying "no crime committed," "Sharpe for governor" and "Booker must go."
