George E. Norcross III, a significant figure in New Jersey politics, is set to be arraigned on Tuesday morning on charges of manipulating property deals to secure millions of dollars in government tax breaks. The 68-year-old insurance executive and influential Democratic fundraiser is accused alongside five co-defendants in a 13-count racketeering indictment unsealed last month.
The indictment alleges that Mr. Norcross and his co-defendants unlawfully obtained property and development rights along Camden’s Delaware River waterfront, benefiting from government tax incentives intended to stimulate economic development in the economically challenged city. The charges claim that over 12 years, they conspired to influence government officials and secure tax breaks that substantially reduced project costs.
The defendants include Mr. Norcross’s brother, Philip A. Norcross, 61, a law firm CEO; Dana L. Redd, 56, a former Camden mayor; William M. Tambussi, 66, Mr. Norcross’s personal lawyer; Sidney R. Brown, 67, a trucking company CEO; and John J. O’Donnell, 61, a residential development executive. Each faces a potential 20-year prison sentence if convicted.
At the indictment announcement, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin stated that instead of aiding Camden’s revitalization, Mr. Norcross led a “criminal enterprise” to exploit the city’s waterfront for personal gain. Mr. Norcross, who currently resides in Florida, attended the news conference uninvited and later accused Mr. Platkin of pursuing a personal vendetta against him.
Mr. Norcross’s attorney, Michael Critchley, defended his client, asserting his innocence and dismissing the accusations as baseless. The charges against Mr. Norcross add to New Jersey’s notorious political history, with senior U.S. Senator Robert Menendez currently facing a corruption trial for allegedly accepting bribes.
Throughout his career, Mr. Norcross wielded significant political influence through campaign donations and a loyal bloc of South Jersey lawmakers. His political alliances crossed party lines, maintaining close relationships with both former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and former President Donald J. Trump.
About a year ago, Mr. Norcross indicated a retreat from political activities following a series of legislative setbacks. This coincided with reports of a renewed investigation by the attorney general’s office into substantial tax breaks awarded to South Jersey companies, a probe linked to legislation supported by former Republican Governor Chris Christie, a known ally of Mr. Norcross.
The upcoming court proceedings will be closely watched as they unfold, potentially impacting New Jersey’s political landscape and further scrutinizing the nexus between politics and business in the state.
