The Democratic power broker and co-defendants are also accused of bending state law to serve their own interests
By JOHN REITMEYER, NJ Spotlight News
Democratic power broker George E. Norcross III and several co-defendants, including a former Camden mayor who served in the state Senate, are facing first-degree racketeering and other charges related to allegedly corrupt real estate dealings in Camden under an indictment announced by the state attorney general’s office.
The bombshell, 13-count indictment unsealed Monday also alleges Norcross and several co-defendants influenced the drafting of an important state tax-incentive law over a decade ago to serve their own interests.
Attorney General Matt Platkin, speaking during an afternoon news conference — which Norcross himself attended as an apparent uninvited guest — accused Norcross, a long-standing figure in state politics, of “running a criminal enterprise in this state for at least the last twelve years.”
“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, nonprofits, the people of the State of New Jersey, and especially the City of Camden and its residents,” Platkin said.
Read the full NJ Spotlight story here
Related news:
Indictment is the latest sign: NJ’s political old guard is dying (NorthJersey.com)
Five things to know about the George Norcross indictment (The Hill)
NJ 1st District Congressional candidate on the indictment (Insider NJ)
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