TRENTON, NJ – New Jersey’s attorney general charged influential Democratic power broker George Norcross with racketeering and other charges related to government tax credits, according to an indictment unsealed Monday.
A former Democratic National Committee member and one-time chairman of the Camden County Democratic Party, Norcross has been an influential figure in state politics. The indictment alleges that Norcross and others acquired property on Camden’s waterfront and collected millions of dollars in state-backed tax credits.
At a news conference in Trenton, New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin accused Norcross of running a criminal enterprise that obtained millions in tax credits and property rights along the Delaware River waterfront in Camden.
According to Platkin, Norcross told a developer he had 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.
Platkin said members of the alleged conspiracy also had a government development agency to help them gain leverage in private negotiations.
Norcross sat in the front row during the press conference and continuously watched the attorney general as he detailed the alleged crimes against him. Asked Monday about Norcross being in the room, Platkin said he had no comment.
Norcross’ attorney, Michael Critchley, rose to ask questions of the attorney general, 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 shape New Jersey economic development legislation to their preferences. After the legislation took effect in September 2013, members and associates of Norcross Enterprise extorted and coerced, extorted, and coerced others—certain individuals and businesses—to obtain property and title rights and associated taxes on the Camden, New Jersey waterfront. they did incentive loans”.