Norcross attorneys seek dismissal of racketeering charges: just 'hardball'
By: Katie Sobko
NorthJersey.com
USA Today Network - New Jersey
..... Three months after he was indicted on racketeering charges by the New Jersey Attorney General, South Jersey power broker George Norcross III has filed a motion for the charges to be dismissed.
.....
In a motion filed in Mercer County superior Court on Tuesday, [09/24/2024] attorneys for Norcross claim the allegations against him and his co-defendants "do not establish any crime.
..... "The indictment palpably fails to state an offense," the filing states. "Because there is no crime alleged here, it is this court's role to dismiss the indictment, which it can and should do with confidence in the outcome. the rule of law demands it - because of, not merely in spite of, the high-profile nature of this novel prosecution."
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The 13-count indictment alleges that, for more than a decade, Norcross and his associates sued their power and influence on government officials to craft legislation with the help of Camden officials.
..... His co-defendants include his brother, Philip Norcross, as well as Norcross attorney William Tambussi, former Camden mayor Dana Redd, Norcross business partner Sidney Brown and real estate developer John O'Donnell.
..... "While the Attorney General's indictment is 111 pages long containing 13 counts against six individuals, all 13 counts of the indictment ultimately rest on two types of supposed misconduct: unlawful threats and official misconduct." attorney Michael Critchley said in a statement.
..... Critchley asserted the so-called "threats" are nothing more than everyday, hardball business negotiations" and courts have allowed such things to happen as part of a "free economy."
..... He said the charges of official misconduct are not warranted because the indictment does not provide any specific examples of duties that Redd violated.
..... Critchley said that the rest of the charges would therefore be moot because they depend on the unlawful threat and official misconduct charges.
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State Attorney General Matthew Platkin held a press conference in June [2024] to announce the racketeering charges. Norcross entered a not guilty plea in July. [2024]
..... Platkin said during his press conference that the charges stem, from tax breaks for a dozen companies that had ties to Norcross and alleged that Norcross and his associates obtained both property and property rights on the waterfront in Camden, collected millions of dollars in government-issued tax credits and controlled and influenced government officials to further their own interests for property and property rights through coercion, extortion and other criminal acts.
Who is Norcross III?
..... Norcross is an insurance executive and chairman of the Camden-based Copper University Health care but wields power over the political machine in south Jersey.
..... "At least as early as 2012 through the present, the state alleges that the Norcross enterprise used its power and influence over government officials craft legislation tailored to serve the interest of the Norcross enterprise." Platkin said during the press conference.
..... The defendants also face charges of financial facilitation, misconduct by a corporate official, and official misconduct and conspiring to commit theft by extortion, criminal coercion, financial facilitation, misconduct by a corporate official and official misconduct.
..... A task force by Governor Phil Murphy early in his administration found that the state doled out tax breaks focused on the Camden companies tied to Norcross. Murphy hired the team of lawyers in January 2019, after the state comptroller's audit showing loose oversight and management of tax incentives.
..... The task force recommended in July 2020 that the EDA freeze the incentive awards for a dozen companies totaling $578 million. It also made unspecified criminal referrals.
..... Murphy started his tenure in Trenton at odds with Norcross but has been building bridges in recent years. he has headline fundraisers held by Norcross' PAC in recent years.
..... Katie Sobko covers the New Jersey Statehouse. Email: sobko@northjersye.com.