TRENTON, N.J. (KYW Newsradio) — South Jersey Democratic power broker George Norcross and key allies of the Norcross Enterprise, have been indicted on racketeering and other related offenses in connection with government-issued tax credits.
Attorney General Matt Platkin outlined the 13-count indictment against Norcross and his associates Monday afternoon at a press conference, just feet away from Norcross himself, who sat in the front row.
The indictment alleges that Norcross strong-armed his way through development negotiations to get property rights along Camden's waterfront, and collected millions of dollars in state-backed tax credits.
Platkin said Camden's great hope has been the redevelopment of the industrial sites along the city's waterfront — "but, as the state alleges, the Norcross Enterprise manipulated government programs and processes designed to attract development and investment to instead suit their own financial desires."
The attorney general highlighted a few different instances on recorded phone calls with Norcross, and others with his brother Philip Norcross, who is also named in he indictment. Platkin alleges they were caught making threats to developers.
"Instead of contributing to the successes of the city of Camden, ... the Norcross Enterprise took the Camden waterfront all for themselves," Platkin said.
Also named in the indictment are his longtime lawyer William Tambussi, and former Camden Mayor Dana Redd.
"The state alleges that the Norcross Enterprise used its power and influence over government officials to craft legislation tailored to serve the interests of the Norcross Enterprise. And with the cooperation of former Mayor of Camden Dana Redd, they co-opted the Camden city government to aid the Norcross Enterprise in obtaining property and property rights along the Camden waterfront through coercion, extortion, and other criminal acts."
Norcross, a former Democratic National Committee member and one-time head of the Camden County Democratic Party, has been an influential figure in state politics. He has had a hand in getting a number of people elected to the New Jersey Assembly and Senate, as well as his brother, Donald Norcross, a U.S. congressman.
This outcome is at least a decade in the making. The allegations outlined go all the way back to 2012.