An alleged corruption scandal that dates back more than ten years has resulted in the indictment of multiple influential Democratic Party leaders in New Jersey.
Democratic Governor Phil Murphy nominated New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin in 2022. On Monday, Platkin announced several charges against six defendants, including first-degree racketeering: George Norcross III, Philip Norcross, William Tambussi, Dana Redd, Sidney Brown, and John O’Donnell.
The alleged actions of the Norcross Enterprise have greatly impacted not only the people of the State of New Jersey, but also businesses, nonprofit organizations, individuals, and the residents of the City of Camden. Today, that comes to an end.
A group known as the Norcross Enterprise, according to Platkin’s news release, obtained land through unscrupulous means, particularly in Camden, and then worked with government officials to “create” laws and regulations that suited their interests. According to the press statement, the organization utilized “coercion, extortion, and other illegal conduct” to get its way when officials and other people refused to comply.
According to Platkin, this affair began at least in 2012, and authorities have been looking into it for “years.”
“This indictment clearly demonstrates how a group of unelected, private businessmen exploited their position and power to persuade the government to support and advance their criminal operation,” Platkin stated in a statement. “People in the State of New Jersey, businesses, nonprofit organizations, individuals, and the City of Camden and its citizens have all suffered greatly as a result of the alleged actions of the Norcross Enterprise. That is no longer the case. Tax-funded politics and government must never be allowed to be used as weapons against the people they are supposed to represent. We reiterate today that nobody in our state is above the law, ever.”
Redd, a Democrat and former state senator from Camden, is the only one of the six defendants named in the indictment who has held elected office. Still, the others, particularly George Norcross, had a significant deal of political sway over their state.
George Norcross, 68, “controlled” the state of New Jersey for “decades,” according to Politico, and “many lawmakers feared crossing” him. He was one of “the most important unelected Democrats in the state,” according to the AP.
In addition, prominent New Jersey Republicans, such as former governor Chris Christie, teamed up with Norcross, a former chair of the Camden County Democratic Party and member of the Democratic National Committee. Norcross, who was previously a member of President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club, now lives in Palm Beach, Florida.
An “atomic bomb” was how one source in New Jersey described the indictment, while another likened it to a political “earthquake.”
“I want to see a government official who comes up there and tries to look like he’s holier than thou undergo extreme embarrassment and inappropriate behavior.”
Norcross even showed up for Platkin’s indictment announcement press conference. “After the conference, I want to see a government official who tries to act like he’s holier than thou, be an amazing embarrassment, and engage in absurd behavior,” he remarked.
“Matt Platkin is a coward because he has made everyone in this building carry out his will, so I want him to come down here and try this case himself.”
Philip Norcross, one of Norcross’s brothers and a Philadelphia lawyer with an “unblemished reputation,” is also charged, according to his lawyer. Another brother of the Norcross family, Donald Norcross, a Democratic congressman from New Jersey, has not been charged.
“My brothers are dear to me. They will have the chance to defend themselves during their day in court, and I firmly believe in the rule of law,” Rep. Norcross stated in a statement.
Tambussi is an additional lawyer who previously worked as outside counsel for the City of Camden. He has also been counsel to the Camden County Democratic Committee for the last 35 years. The AP asked for comments, but his lawyer did not reply.
Henry Klingeman, Redd’s lawyer, maintained that her client had “done nothing illegal.” Redd served her community and assisted with the investigation, according to Klingeman.
None of the other defendants has a lawyer yet.
Sentencing for the first-degree racketeering conviction alone entails up to 20 years in prison, a $200,000 fine, and “extra pecuniary penalties,” which Platkin has already stated he intends to pursue.
