
A major political figure in New Jersey, Democrat kingmaker George Norcross, has been indicted on racketeering charges, marking a significant shakeup in state politics. The indictment, unsealed on Monday, charges Norcross, his brother Philip Norcross, and several others in a case pursued by New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin.
George Norcross has long been a powerful figure in New Jersey’s Democratic politics, exerting considerable influence over the state’s political landscape.
The 111-page indictment alleges that Norcross led a “criminal enterprise” in South New Jersey, using his political clout to benefit entities like Cooper Health and the insurance firm Conner Strong & Buckelew (CSB).
According to the indictment, these entities gained interests in various properties and sold the tax credits they obtained for millions of dollars.
Platkin, during a press conference with Norcross present, emphasized the scope and impact of the alleged crimes. “The indictment unsealed today alleges that George Norcross has been running a criminal enterprise in this state for at least the last twelve years,” Platkin said.
He continued, “On full display in this indictment is how a group of unelected, private businessmen used their power and influence to get government to aid their criminal enterprise and further its interests. The alleged conduct of the Norcross Enterprise has caused great harm to individuals, businesses, non-profits, the people of the State of New Jersey, and especially the City of Camden and its residents.”
The charges highlight how the Norcross brothers and other defendants allegedly manipulated political influence to tailor economic redevelopment in Camden, New Jersey, to suit their financial interests. This included extorting and pressuring others to obtain property rights and tax incentive credits linked to the development efforts.
George Norcross, now 68, is an insurance executive and former member of the Democratic National Committee. He has served as the chair of the board of trustees at Cooper University Health Care and the chair of Conner Strong & Buckelew. Despite currently residing in Florida, Norcross attended the press conference in Trenton where Attorney General Platkin announced the charges.
The 13-count indictment accuses Norcross and his associates of using their positions to benefit financially from redevelopment projects, ultimately causing significant harm to various stakeholders in New Jersey. The indictment represents a major development in state politics, potentially altering the landscape for years to come.
As this case unfolds, it could have far-reaching implications for New Jersey’s political and business communities. The allegations against Norcross and his associates point to a deeply entrenched network of corruption that has allegedly influenced state and local governance for over a decade. This indictment could lead to further investigations and potentially more charges against others involved in similar schemes.