Prominent Democrat, Former Mayor Indicted On Racketeering Charges

Democratic figure George Norcross, described as a political “kingmaker” in New Jersey, was indicted on racketeering charges alongside his brother Phillip and four others.

The 13-count indictment alleges the operation of a criminal enterprise in South Jersey, manipulating political influence for personal gain in development projects, specifically regarding the Camden waterfront.

“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.

Norcross and associates are accused of using their positions to exploit property rights and tax incentives, benefiting entities like Cooper Health and Conner Strong & Buckelew.

“The indictment unsealed today alleges that George Norcross has been running a criminal enterprise in this state for at least the last twelve years,” New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin said.

“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,” Platkin 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.”

“That stops today.”

“When the developer would not relinquish his rights on terms preferred by George E. Norcross III, he threatened the developer that he would, in substance and in part, ‘[expletive] you up like you’ve never been [expletive] up before’ and told the developer he would make sure the developer never did business in Camden again,” the indictment reads.

“In a recorded phone call, [Norcross] later admitted to threatening the developer: ‘I said, this is unacceptable. If you do this, it will have enormous consequences.’ [The developer] said, `Are you threatening me?’ I said, Absolutely,’” the indictment adds.

The indictment sheds light on alleged threats and coercive tactics used to advance their interests, prompting a potential sentence of 10-20 years in prison if found guilty of racketeering and related charges.