New Jersey Democratic power broker George Norcross was hit with serious charges on Monday, including operating a racketeering enterprise and orchestrating tax incentive legislation for his own benefit. The 68-year-old Norcross and five others were accused of using his political influence to push through legislation that served their interests.
During a news conference led by New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin, Norcross vehemently denied the charges, calling Platkin a “coward” and demanding a speedy trial. Platkin, a fellow Democrat, defended the charges as law enforcement cracking down on wrongdoing, stating, “When we say no one is above the law, we mean it.”
The indictment, totaling 111 pages, alleged a scheme dating back to 2012 in which Norcross and his associates used threats and coercion to take over properties, specifically waterfront property in Camden, New Jersey. They were also accused of extorting and coercing businesses with property rights in the area to obtain tax incentive credits, which were then sold for millions of dollars.
Defense lawyer Michael Critchley accused Platkin of having a “vendetta” against Norcross, claiming that multiple agencies had investigated the waterfront development in the past and found nothing. Norcross, who was previously a Democratic National Committee member and a powerful figure in the state, dismissed the charges as politically motivated.
The other defendants in the case include Norcross’ brother Philip Norcross, lawyer William Tambussi, Dana Redd of the Camden Community Partnership, Sidney Brown of NFI, and John O’Donnell of a development company. Each defendant has denied any wrongdoing. Rep. Donald Norcross, another brother of George, expressed support for his siblings and stated that they would have the opportunity to defend themselves in court.
The charges against Norcross are the latest development in an ongoing legal and political saga in New Jersey, with Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez currently on trial in New York on federal corruption charges. The tax incentive legislation, which has faced scrutiny in the past, has once again come under fire as a result of this indictment.
