High-profile New Jersey Democrat George Norcross charged with racketeering
New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin unsealed a 13-count indictment for racketeering against southern New Jersey political heavyweight George E. Norcross III, one of the state's most powerful Democrats.
The indictment from the state attorney general, a fellow Democrat, accuses Norcross of using his influence over government entities to acquire lucrative waterfront real estate in Camden, N.J.
Alongside Norcross, the state charged Philip Norcross, his brother; former Camden Mayor Dana Redd; William M. Tambussi, Norcross’s personal attorney; and John O’Donnell.
“The state alleges that George Norcross has been running a criminal enterprise in the state for at least the last 12 years. This alleged conduct of the Norcross enterprise has caused great harm to individuals, businesses, nonprofits, the people of the state of New Jersey, and especially to the city of Camden,” Platkin said at a press conference announcing the indictment.
The FBI and US attorney’s office of New Jersey were also involved in the case.
Platkin said Norcross's company used its power and influence to gain favor with state and local officials to further its interests. In doing so, the Norcross group was able to obtain the rights to build multiple buildings and hundreds of millions of dollars in government-issued tax credits, the attorney general said.
“They allegedly did this with the complicity and acquiescence of various state and local elected and appointed officials who turned a blind eye to their duties and obligations to the people of New Jersey to instead serve the interests of a powerful few,” he said.
Norcross was sitting in the front seat as Platkin unsealed the indictment against him at the Trenton press conference.
An aide with the attorney general’s office tried to make Norcross move, but he refused. His attorney was heard saying in the live press conference feed: “Is there someone who deserves to sit here more than the lead defendant in the case?”
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