New Jersey Attorney General Accuses Influential Democratic Broker of Racketeering

TRENTON, NJ – New Jersey’s attorney general has charged influential Democratic powerbroker George Norcross with racketeering and other charges related to government-issued tax credits, according to an indictment unsealed Monday.

Norcross, a former member of the Democratic National Committee and former head of the Camden County Democratic Party, has been an influential figure in state politics. The indictment alleges that Norcross and others obtained property rights along Camden’s waterfront and collected millions of dollars in state-backed tax credits.

At a press conference in Trenton, New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin accused Norcross of leading a criminal enterprise, obtaining millions in tax credits and property rights along Camden’s Delaware River waterfront.

Platkin said Norcross told a developer he would have to give up his property rights or he would retaliate and make it impossible for the developer to do business in Camden if he refused.

Members of the alleged conspiracy also enlisted a government development agency to help them gain an advantage in private negotiations, Platkin said.

Norcross sat in the front row during the news conference, closely watching the attorney general as he detailed the criminal charges against him. Asked what he thought of Norcross’ presence in the room Monday, Platkin said he had no comment.

Michael Critchley, Norcross’ attorney, stood up to try to ask the attorney general a question, but Platkin left before Critchley could ask anything. The Associated Press left a message seeking comment from Critchley.

The indictment alleges that Norcoss and his associates “used their political influence to tailor New Jersey’s economic development legislation to their preferences. After the legislation was enacted in September 2013, members and associates of Norcross Enterprise conspired and extorted and coerced others to obtain – for certain individuals and business entities – properties and property rights in the Camden, New Jersey waterfront and associated tax credits. of encouragement.”