Fraud drop charges dropped against ex-N.J. mayor

James, 72, was accused of scheming to steer city-owned properties to his mistress and of using city credit cards for personal expenses.

James was convicted last month on all five charges he faced in his first trial -including fraud and conspiracy.

U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Christie said in a statement that another conviction would not have meant a significantly longer prison sentence for James. Prosecutors say he'll likely get a prison term of 10 to 15 years for the corruption conviction when he is sentenced in July.

As part of an agreement to dismiss the additional charges, the government has the right to reintroduce them if any part of the earlier conviction is overturned on appeal.