Authorities have issued a subpoena to the South Jersey Transportation Authority over votes to delay payments to a contractor whose executive crossed Norcross politically, sources say.
By Andrew Seidman and Jeremy Roebuck, Philadelphia Inquirer, March 7, 2024
Months into a state and federal investigation into South Jersey Democratic power broker George E. Norcross III, authorities have expanded their focus beyond his involvement in real estate deals in Camden.
In recent weeks, investigators with the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office and FBI have begun scrutinizing whether the 67-year-old insurance executive played a role in a state agency’s decision to temporarily stop payments to a contractor after one of the company’s executives reportedly defied Norcross with an endorsement in a local election last year, according to sources familiar with the probe.
The South Jersey Transportation Authority’s board voted on multiple occasions in early 2023 not to approve invoices from Middletown, N.J.-based firm T&M Associates, which held a contract for engineering and construction management work, according to the agency’s meeting minutes. All other vendors were paid during that period.
The decision to halt payments came weeks after a meeting between Norcross and T&M vice president John Cimino, who is also a Mercer County commissioner, about a local political race.
Politico reported last year that in December 2022, Norcross urged Cimino not to endorse a candidate in the contested race for Mercer County executive. Cimino did anyway, and Norcross’ insurance brokerage, Conner Strong & Buckelew, abruptly dropped T&M as a client, the news site reported.
Now, authorities are looking into whether Norcross, who does not hold elected office but is widely seen as one of the state’s most influential political figures, also influenced the SJTA’s decision to stop paying the company in retaliation, according to three sources briefed on the investigation.
Related:
Investigation focuses on George Norcross’ influence over Camden
Huge loss for political boss Norcross in his fight with NJ Gov. Murphy
After a costly race, Norcross to raise funds for Sweeney PAC
Norcross v. Polistina Feud Spills into Public View
New Jersey power broker George Norcross is stepping back from politics
Tax Break Scandal Leads to $5 Million Fine for N.J. Energy Company
EDA approves $18.3M for Camden hotel with Norcross ties
Top N.J. powerbroker accuses Murphy of ‘political retribution’
How Norcross allies got $1.1 Billion in Tax Breaks
How Norcross came to own some of Camden’s most valuable land
Norcross says he was removed from Eagles game over US-Israel flag
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