NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — Former Newark Mayor Sharpe James plans to head back home after he's released from a federal prison camp this week.

James was convicted on corruption charges in April 2008, stemming from charges that he abused his office by steering city-owned land to his then-mistress. He received a 27-month term, which he has been serving at the prison in Petersburg, Va.

Once he's released on Tuesday, James told The Star-Ledger of Newark that he will board a bus back to Newark, where he will serve the remainder of his sentence at a halfway house. He also plans to work as a mentor at an Irvington church.

James, who also was a state senator, maintains his innocence and will continue to appeal his corruption conviction.