A New Jersey judge dismissed racketeering charges against George Norcross III and five codefendants, delivering what the Philadelphia Inquirer calls a stunning setback to prosecutors who had accused the Democratic power broker of using threats and intimidation to obtain valuable waterfront property in Camden and millions of dollars in tax credits. “The indictment must be dismissed because its factual allegations do not constitute extortion or criminal coercion as a matter of law,” Mercer County Superior Court Judge Peter Warshaw wrote in a 100-page opinion granting Norcross' plea to dismiss a 13-count indictment. Warshaw found that the charges were time-barred under the statute of limitations. New Jersey Attorney General’s Office immediately said it would appeal.
In addition to Norcross — the 68-year-old chairman of Cooper University Health Care in Camden and executive chairman of insurance firm Conner Strong & Buckelew — Warshaw dismissed charges against Norcross’ brother Philip, attorney William Tambussi; former Camden Mayor Dana Redd; and two businessmen, John O’Donnell and Sidney Brown. Michael Critchley, an attorney for George Norcross, called the prosecution led by state Attorney General Matthew Platkin — a “sham,” noting that federal prosecutors in Philadelphia and New Jersey had declined to charge his client. “Someone should look at this matter because this appears to be a corrupt investigation,” Critchley said. Platkin said, “After years in which the U.S. Supreme Court has consistently cut back on federal public corruption law, and at a time in which the federal government is refusing to tackle corruption, it has never been more important for state officials to take corruption The case revolves around Norcross’ involvement in the redevelopment of the Camden waterfront over the past decade.
Comments