Defiant Norcross Derides Indictment, As NJ Political World Reacts

NEW JERSEY — The man who's influenced New Jersey politics behind the scenes sat right in the front row as the state attorney general read off his indictment.

George Norcross, a powerful Democratic Party boss, was charged by indictment with first-degree racketeering and a range of white-collar crimes. As Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin detailed the allegations during Monday's news conference, Norcross sat just feet away.

• Read more: NJ Political Boss George Norcross Indicted In Corruption Scheme

Norcross and several associates were accused of using their political influence to corruptly obtain lucrative waterfront real estate in Camden, threatening and extorting victims who got in their way.

Norcross denied wrongdoing, calling Platkin a "coward" after the event.

"I want Matt Platkin to come down here and try this case himself — because he's a coward, because he has forced people in this building to implement his will," Norcross claimed to reporters, according to NJ Advance Media.

Just before the news conference, an official at the podium noted that only members of the press can ask questions. Norcross attempted to get a word in, but the official re-iterated the policy. It's unclear what Norcross said.

For decades, the insurance executive and businessman was considered one of New Jersey's most influential political figures, despite Norcross never holding elected office. Since his indictment was unsealed Monday, only a handful of officeholders and candidates throughout the state have publicly commented on the allegations.

Rep. Donald Norcross — the brother of George and Philip Norcross, who was also indicted — told Patch the following via a spokesperson: "I love my brothers. I believe in the rule of law and they will have the opportunity to defend themselves during their day in court."

Donald Norcross has no reported involvement in the suspects' alleged wrongdoing. But the indictments could loom large as he runs for re-election in New Jersey's 1st Congressional District — a deep-blue area that includes Camden County and surrounding areas.

Teddy Liddell, the Republican candidate, praised the indictment of George Norcross.

"For far too long, politics in South Jersey has been characterized by unabashed corruption," Liddell said in a news release. "Justice has finally come knocking at the door — and even politicians and power brokers are not above the law."

Rep. Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11), a Democratic officeholder in North Jersey, said that corruption like Norcross's "undermines citizens' faith in government and costs taxpayers money."

"New Jerseyans deserve to know that their tax dollars are being spent wisely, that contracts are being awarded fairly, and that the system isn't rigged against them," Sherrill said.

Congressional candidate Sue Altman called the indictment "monumental."

"It's a new day for New Jersey politics," said Altman, a Democrat running against Rep. Thomas Kean Jr. (NJ-7), a Republican. "We are replacing our culture of corruption, misuse of public funds, and self-dealing government with a new one — one that prioritizes public service, the greater good, and functional government where BOTH (sic) parties are held responsible."

Norcross chairs Cooper University Health Care's board of trustees and is executive chair of insurance firm Conner Strong & Buckalew. Platkin accused him of running a "criminal enterprise" as early as 2012, when Norcross exerted his influence over government officials to craft legislation that served the interests of both entities. In the years since, the "Norcross Enterprise" used Camden's city government to secure properties along the waterfront, while threatening other developers, the indictment says.

Through those properties, Norcross and his associates collected millions in government-issued tax credits, Platkin said.

A spokesperson for Camden's city government told Patch the following: "The City is aware of the indictment related to activities in the City of Camden. The City of Camden will cooperate as the judicial process demands as this matter makes its way through the justice system. The City will continue to work tirelessly every day to advance Camden's revitalization efforts and improve the quality of life for our residents."

Former Camden Mayor Dana Redd, who was also charged, denied wrongdoing to Patch through an attorney.

Three people indicted — George and Philip Norcross, plus Sidney R. Brown — are members of Cooper Health's board of trustees. The health system's spokespeople did not return Patch's request for comment in time for initial publication.