TRENTON, NJ – A significant development unfolded in Trenton as New Jersey’s Attorney General, Matthew Platkin, revealed charges against influential Democratic figure George Norcross and his associates in a long-running racketeering probe. The indictment, unsealed by Platkin in conjunction with the Office of Public Integrity & Accountability, detailed a 13-count, 111-page document accusing Norcross of orchestrating a criminal enterprise over the past twelve years. Alongside Norcross, five other defendants from South Jersey and beyond were implicated in the indictment, although additional individuals involved in the unlawful activities were not named or charged.
Norcross, aged 68, holds prominent positions as the executive chairman of insurance company Conner, Strong & Buckelew, as well as the chairman of the board of trustees for Cooper Health. The charges against him and his alleged allies, including his brother Phillip Norcross, former Camden Mayor Dana Redd, William Tambussi, Sidney Brown, and John O’Donnell, range from first-degree racketeering conspiracy to various financial infractions and misconduct offenses. The indictment paints a disturbing picture of how the Norcross enterprise allegedly manipulated government officials, secured lucrative property rights, and exploited tax credits for personal gain.
Platkin, in a press conference, highlighted instances of coercion and extortion allegedly carried out by the Norcross enterprise, implicating high-profile figures such as Redd and Tambussi. The accusations suggest a pattern of abuse of power and influence, causing harm to individuals and communities, particularly in Camden. Attorney Michael Critchley, representing George Norcross, criticized the one-sided nature of the investigation, stating that Norcross was not given the opportunity to present his side of the story before the indictment.
The indictment also revealed damning evidence dating back to 2012, indicating a systematic manipulation of legislation and government resources for the benefit of the Norcross enterprise. As legal proceedings unfold, defense attorneys for the accused individuals, including Redd and Phillip Norcross, maintain their clients’ innocence and vow to fight the charges in court. The arraignment for all defendants is scheduled for July 9 in Mercer County, marking the next phase in what promises to be a contentious legal battle.
The Rutgers AAUP-AFT, a prominent union representing faculty members and graduate workers, intensified calls for the removal of William Tambussi from the Rutgers University Board of Governors in light of the indictment. The union’s president, Todd Wolfson, emphasized the urgency of addressing Tambussi’s alleged misconduct and vowed to pursue legal action to enforce his removal. As the scandal unfolds, the public awaits further developments in this high-profile case that has cast a shadow over New Jersey’s political landscape.
