NEW JERSEY — The man who has influenced New Jersey politics behind the scenes had a front row seat as the state attorney general read the indictment.
George Norcross, a prominent Democratic Party official, was indicted on charges of first-degree organized crime and a string of white-collar crimes. Norcross sat nearby as Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin detailed the charges at a press conference on Monday.
subscribe
Norcross and several associates were accused of using their political influence to fraudulently acquire lucrative waterfront real estate in Camden, then threatening and extorting victims who got in their way.
After the incident, Norcross called Platkin a “coward” and denied any wrongdoing.
“I want Matt Platkin to come in here and try this case himself, because he’s a coward. He’s forced the people in this building to do his will,” Norcross told reporters, according to NJ Advance Media.
Just before the press conference, a staff member at the podium said only members of the press could ask questions. Mr. Norcross tried to speak, but the staff member reiterated the policy. It is unclear what Mr. Norcross said.
For decades, the insurance executive and businessman has been considered one of New Jersey’s most influential politicians, even though Norcross has never held public office. Since the indictment against him was unsealed Monday, only a handful of officeholders and candidates across the state have commented publicly about the allegations.
Rep. Donald Norcross, the brother of George and Philip Norcross, who were also indicted, told Patch through a spokesman: “I love my brothers. I believe in the rule of law. They will have the opportunity to defend themselves in court.”
Donald Norcross has not been implicated in any alleged wrongdoing, but the indictment could have significant implications for his reelection bid in New Jersey’s 1st Congressional District, a heavily Democratic area that includes Camden County and surrounding areas.
Republican candidate Teddy Liddell praised George Norcross’ prosecution.
“For too long, Southern New Jersey politics have been characterized by unbridled corruption,” Liddell said in a press release. “Justice is finally knocking on the door. No politician or person in power is above the law.”
North Jersey Democrat Rep. Mickey Sherrill (New Jersey’s 11th District) said corrupt actors like Norcross “undermine people’s faith in their government and waste taxpayer money.”
“New Jerseyans have a right to know that their tax dollars are being spent wisely, that contracts are being awarded fairly, and that the system is not rigged against them,” Sherrill said.
Congressional candidate Sue Altman called the indictment “monumental.”
“A new era has begun for New Jersey politics,” said Altman, a Democrat running against Republican Rep. Thomas Keene Jr. (New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District). “We are replacing a culture of corruption, misuse of public funds and self-interested government with a new culture that prioritizes public service, the interests of the entire nation and a functional government that holds both parties accountable.”
Norcross is chairman of the board of trustees for Cooper University Healthcare and chairman of the insurance company Conner, Strong & Buckalew. Platkin accused Norcross of running a “criminal enterprise” in 2012 when he used his influence with government officials to craft legislation that benefited both parties. Since then, the “Norcross Organization” has used the Camden city government to secure waterfront property and intimidate other developers, according to the indictment.
Through these properties, Norcross and his associates collected millions of dollars in government-issued tax credits, Platkin said.
The three men indicted — George Norcross, Philip Norcross and Sidney R. Brown — are members of the Cooper Health board of directors. A spokesperson for the health system did not respond to Patch’s request for comment by time of first publication.
Camden city officials also declined to comment, but former Mayor Dana Redd, who was also indicted, denied any wrongdoing to Patch through her lawyer.
