NJ Attorney General Accuses Democratic Power Broker of Racketeering

George Norcross, a longtime Democrat New Jersey political figure, along with his brother Phillip and four others, has been indicted on racketeering charges, as reported by CNBC News.

Attorney General Matthew Platkin, also a Democrat, filed the indictment, alleging that the defendants used their political power over many years through extortion and threats.

The indictment states that Norcross led a criminal enterprise that extorted others through threats and fear, as well as committed other criminal acts to achieve their goals, according to Politico.

Norcross has been a prominent figure in New Jersey politics for years, despite never holding elected office. He is known for building the South Jersey machine, a Democratic political alliance considered one of the strongest in the state.

Recent investigations linked to real estate acquisitions in Camden, New Jersey, by Norcross and his associates have raised concerns of alleged attempts to suppress competition from potential rivals, as reported by The Philadelphia Inquirer.

The indictment poses a threat to Norcross’s political legacy and the narrative of Camden’s revitalization that he has championed over the years. It could also impact New Jersey’s political landscape leading up to the gubernatorial race next year, as one of the Democratic candidates backed by Norcross is former state Senate President Stephen Sweeney.