New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) announced the filing of criminal charges against six defendants, including George E. Norcross III, following a years-long investigation into a criminal enterprise operating in South Jersey and elsewhere.
The 13-count indictment alleges that the Norcross Enterprise engaged in a series of unlawful acts to obtain property and property rights on the Camden Waterfront, collected millions in government-issued tax credits, and controlled and influenced government officials to further its interests.
The defendants, including Norcross, his brother Philip, and four others, are charged with first-degree racketeering, financial facilitation, misconduct by a corporate official, and official misconduct. They allegedly used their power and influence to craft legislation and coerce government officials to aid the enterprise’s interests.
Attorney General Platkin stated, “The indictment alleges that George Norcross has been running a criminal enterprise in this state for at least the last twelve years… Today we reaffirm that no one in our state is above the law – period.”
The defendants face significant prison time and fines if convicted. The arraignment is scheduled for July 9.