A state judge in New Jersey has agreed to dismiss racketeering charges against Democratic power broker George Norcross and several co-defendants. The charges were brought by Attorney General Matt Platkin in a case stemming from a 2024 indictment accusing Norcross and others of using their political influence to serve their own interests. The judge ruled that the prosecution’s allegations did not amount to criminal coercion or extortion and were time-barred.
Among the accusations were claims that Norcross threatened a developer over waterfront property in Camden, New Jersey, and that he and his co-defendants coerced businesses and obtained tax incentive credits. Defense lawyer Michael Critchley accused Platkin of having a “vendetta” against Norcross, noting that previous investigations into the waterfront development had yielded nothing. Norcross, a prominent figure in Democratic circles, was seen as one of the most influential unelected Democrats in the state.
The judge’s ruling not only dismissed the indictment against Norcross but also applied to his brother Philip A. Norcross, lawyer William M. Tambussi, former Camden Mayor Dana L. Redd, NFI chief Sidney R. Brown, and developer John J. O’Donnell. Attorney General Platkin plans to appeal the judge’s decision, indicating that the legal battle may continue despite the dismissal of the charges.
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