George Norcross has long been considered one of the most powerful forces in New Jersey politics.
| Update
SOUTH JERSEY — Political strongman George E. Norcross III and several associates have been indicted on charges of a fraud scheme, according to authorities.
Also indicted were one of Norcross’s brothers, his personal attorney, the former Camden mayor and two others. Norcross has long been considered one of the most influential figures in state politics.
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The 13-count indictment accuses Norcross and his associates of using their political influence to fraudulently acquire lucrative waterfront real estate in Camden.
“Norcross has had the Camden waterfront all to itself,” state Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin said at a news conference Monday. “As George Norcross said, ‘This is for our friends.'”
The following people were also charged:
- Philip A. Norcross: Attorney and brother of Norcross
- William M. Tambussi, attorney for George Norcross
- Dana L. Redd: Former Mayor of Camden
- Sidney Brown, CEO of trucking and logistics company NFI, which benefited from the development deal.
- John J. O’Donnell, of the Michaels Organization, a housing development company that owns some of the Camden buildings at the center of the indictment.
Platkin said Norcross Enterprises has used its influence with government officials to craft legislation that serves its interests since 2012. He said that with the support of then-Camden Mayor Redd and other officials, the organization used elements of city government to help acquire assets through coercion and extortion.
The defendants were charged with first-degree racketeering, financial aiding and abetting, corporate officer misconduct, public official misconduct, conspiracy to commit theft by racketeering, criminal extortion, financial aiding and abetting, corporate officer misconduct, and public official misconduct.
The 111-page indictment, filed June 13, was unsealed Monday. Their arraignment is scheduled for 10 a.m. July 9 in Mercer County Superior Court.
Mr. Norcross, an insurance executive who also chairs the board of trustees of Cooper University Health Care, is a prominent figure in New Jersey politics despite not holding public office: He served as chairman of the Camden County Democratic Party from 1989 to 1995 and has since wielded considerable influence over local party organization and fundraising in the state.
“This indictment makes abundantly clear that a group of unelected private businessmen used their power and influence to persuade the government to support their criminal enterprise and advance their own profits,” Platkin said. “Norcross Enterprises’ alleged conduct has caused great harm to individuals, businesses, nonprofit organizations and the people of New Jersey, particularly the City of Camden and its residents.”
Norcross was sitting in the front row for the attorney general’s press conference. Prior to the press conference, a staff member said only reporters could ask questions. Norcross tried to speak, but the staff member reiterated the policy. It is unclear what Norcross said.
His older brother, Donald, who has not been indicted, served in the U.S. House of Representatives for 10 years representing Camden County and surrounding areas. He is seeking re-election in New Jersey’s heavily Democratic 1st Congressional District.
This is an ongoing story, with further updates to come.
