A Democratic power broker in southern New Jersey was accused Monday of leading a 12-year racketeering scheme to influence local economic development plans, buy up waterfront property and reap millions of dollars in tax credits.
The allegations against George Norcross, 68, include threatening a developer who refused to sell the property rights needed for Norcross and his five codefendants to build the tallest building on the Camden waterfront.
Norcross told the developer he would "f--- you up like you've never been f----- up before," according to a 13-count, 111-page indictment quietly filed last week.
The charges include racketeering conspiracy, conspiracy to commit theft by extortion and criminal coercion, and official misconduct.
During a news conference in Trenton, New Jersey, state Attorney General Matthew Platkin said Norcross and his codefendants "manipulated government programs and processes" to "suit their financial desires," NBC10 Philadelphia reported.
"Instead of contributing to the successes of the city of Camden, through a series of criminal acts alleged in the state's case, the Norcross enterprise took the Camden waterfront all for themselves," Platkin said.
Norcross, a former Camden County Democratic chairperson who now lives in Palm Beach, Florida, sat in the front row of the audience.
He declined to comment but said, "I will later," according to the New York Times.
Norcross' codefendants include former Camden Mayor Dana Redd, 56; brother and lawyer Philip Norcross, 61; and longtime personal attorney William Tambussi, 66.
Also charged were developer John O'Donnell, 61, and Sidney Brown, 67, the CEO of a trucking and logistics company.
The defendants are scheduled to be arraigned on July 9.
