George Norcross, a longtime Democratic powerbroker in New Jersey, has been indicted on racketeering charges, signaling the end of an era of alleged corruption and abuse of power, according to a new report from CNBC.
The indictment, unveiled by New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin, also names Norcross’s brother, Phillip Norcross, and four other defendants, revealing the extent of what Platkin calls a “criminal enterprise” that has plagued South Jersey for over a decade.
The indictment accuses George Norcross of orchestrating a scheme to control economic redevelopment along the Camden waterfront, using political influence to secure property rights and lucrative tax incentive credits for personal gain.
“The entities that benefitted, including Cooper Health and [the insurance firm Conner Strong & Buckelew CSB] then occupied the properties they obtained interests in and sold the tax credits they obtained for millions of dollars,” the indictment states.
The charges against George Norcross, a prominent insurance executive and former member of the Democratic National Committee, have rocked New Jersey’s political landscape.
.@NewJerseyOAG: “The state alleges George Norcross (seated in front row!) has been running a criminal enterprise in the state for at least the last 12 yrs…w/ the complicity & acquiescence of various state & local elected & appointed officials.” @NJSpotlightNews 2nite pic.twitter.com/eCX7eQqse1
— Brenda Flanagan (@BFlanaganNJ) June 17, 2024
As chair of the board of trustees of Cooper University Health Care and chair of Conner Strong & Buckelew, Norcross held significant influence, which he allegedly exploited for his own benefit.
Attorney General Platkin didn’t mince words during a press conference in Trenton. “On full display in this indictment is how a group of unelected, private businessmen used their power and influence to get government to aid their criminal enterprise and further its interests,” he said.
“The alleged conduct of the Norcross Enterprise has caused great harm to individuals, businesses, non-profits, the people of the State of New Jersey, and especially the City of Camden and its residents.”
This indictment highlights the ongoing problem of corruption in New Jersey politics and the need for greater transparency and accountability in government.
Please do not let NJ Democratic power broker George Norcross’s bombshell indictment distract you from the fact that he’s currently sitting in the front row of it without socks on. pic.twitter.com/IH06GY6P47
— Aaron Carr (@aaronAcarr) June 17, 2024
