New Jersey Democratic Party “kingmaker” George Norcross indicted over racketeering charges

06/19/2024 / By Laura Harris

Political boss George Norcross, the “kingmaker” of the New Jersey Democratic Party, has been charged with racketeering over allegedly running a criminal enterprise in the state for at least 12 years.

According to the 13-count, 111-page unsealed indictment of New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin, Norcross, a former Democratic National Committee member and current Florida resident, along with his brother Phillip Norcross and four other defendants, were allegedly involved in orchestrating a “criminal enterprise” that manipulated the economic redevelopment programs of the Camden Waterfront in Camden, New Jersey to benefit the defendants financially.

The defendants, who face potential sentences of 10 to 20 years if convicted of first-degree racketeering, include:

Phillip Norcross: Managing shareholder and CEO of the Parker McCay law firm and chairman of the board of the Cooper Foundation.
William Tambussi: George Norcross’ personal attorney and counsel to the Camden County Democratic Committee.
Dana Redd: Former Camden mayor, former state senator and current CEO of Camden Community Partnership.
Sidney Brown: CEO of trucking and logistics company NFI and board member of Cooper Health.
John O’Donnell: Executive at The Michaels Organization, a residential development firm.

Other charges include various counts of financial facilitation, misconduct by a corporate official, conspiracy to commit theft by extortion, criminal coercion and official misconduct.

The indictment alleges that Norcross and his associates used political clout to secure property rights and tax incentives, subsequently occupying these properties and selling the obtained tax credits for substantial profits. Platkin names Cooper Health and Conner Strong & Buckelew (CSB), where George Norcross held positions as chair of the board of trustees, as key beneficiaries.

“On full display in this indictment is how a group of unelected, private businessmen used their power and influence to get government to aid their criminal enterprise and further its interests. The alleged conduct of the Norcross Enterprise has caused great harm to individuals, businesses, non-profits, the people of the State of New Jersey, and especially the City of Camden and its residents. That stops today,” Platkin stated on the unsealed indictment on June 17.

The charges reveal aggressive tactics employed by Norcross, including a reported threat to a developer holding key waterfront property rights. Norcross allegedly told the developer he would “f— you up like you’ve never been f—– up before” and ensure the developer could no longer do business in Camden. In a recorded phone call, Norcross also allegedly admitted to the threat and confessed that he warned the developer of “enormous consequences.”

Rep. Donald Norcross, the political boss’ younger brother who currently serves as the representative for New Jersey’s first congressional district, remains uncharged.

Democratic dominance in New Jersey is now under threat

The accusations against Norcross come on the heels of an ongoing federal bribery case against Sen. Bob Menendez, the senior U.S. senator for New Jersey.

Back in September, Menendez and his wife Nadine were indicted in a New York federal court for allegedly accepting substantial bribes and being involved in a “corrupt relationship” with three New Jersey businessmen. In exchange for thousands of dollars in cash and gold bars, a Mercedes-Benz convertible, home mortgage payments and more, Menendez allegedly agreed to use his power and influence as a U.S. senator to favor his co-conspirators. (Related: New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez and his wife charged with BRIBERY.)

All these high-profile controversies have rocked the blue-state stronghold. State Democrats have already withdrawn their support for Menendez, instead nominating Rep. Andy Kim of the state’s third congressional district. Menendez has decided to continue seeking re-election as an independent, putting the state’s Republican nominee, businessman Curtis Bashaw, in good position to become the first Republican that New Jersey sends to the U.S. Senate in a decade.

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Watch this episode of the “Health Ranger Report” as Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, discusses how Menendez was allegedly bribed with gold bars.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.