A prominent Democrat power broker, George Norcross, is facing racketeering and other charges in New Jersey, as announced by the state’s attorney general on Monday.
Norcross, a businessman, is accused of misusing government-issued tax credits. State Attorney General Matt Platkin claims that Norcross and his associates acquired property rights along the Camden waterfront and collected millions in state-backed tax credits.
Prosecutors say Norcross and his team used their political influence to shape New Jersey’s economic development laws to their advantage. After the legislation passed in September 2013, they allegedly extorted and coerced others to secure properties and tax incentive credits on the Camden waterfront.
The indictment also claims that Norcross led a criminal enterprise that threatened and intimidated others to achieve its goals. This enterprise is said to have engaged in various criminal activities.
Others charged in the indictment include Norcross’ brother Philip, a lobbyist; lawyer Bill Tambussi; former Camden Mayor Dana Redd; Sidney Brown, the CFO of trucking company NFI; and northern New Jersey businessman John O’Donnell.
Although George Norcross never held elected office, he wielded significant power in New Jersey politics and was a key member of the state’s Democratic National Committee. He was known to be friends with influential Democrats like former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
Another of Norcross’ brothers, Donald, who is a member of the House of Representatives, was not named in the indictment.