New Jersey AG Will Not Appeal Firing Decision

On Tuesday, New Jersey’s acting attorney general announced he would not seek a reconsideration from the state Supreme Court regarding his firing related to a blackmail crime case involving Democratic power broker George E. Norcross III and others charged alongside him.

This choice by Jennifer Davenport, who was appointed by Governor Mikie Sherrill, comes almost three weeks after an appeals panel upheld a lower court’s ruling that dismissed the criminal charges against them.

The original indictment was filed by Matt Platkin, who held the attorney general position under Sherrill’s predecessor, Phil Murphy.

“Given the Appellate Division’s decision, we believe it’s best to redirect our prosecutorial efforts towards other matters,” stated the attorney general’s office. They added, “At a time when distrust in government is growing, our focus will remain on prosecuting corruption in the public sector.”

Norcross and five co-defendants are accused of managing an operation since 2012 that leveraged political influence to shape legislation for their own gain. Nevertheless, a state judge concluded in a detailed ruling that the claims made by the prosecution did not constitute criminal coercion or extortion, and indicated that the statute of limitations had expired.

Norcross, who has consistently asserted his innocence, suggests the charges were motivated by political agendas, a point Platkin has disputed. Known for his clout, Norcross previously chaired the Camden County Democratic Party and was a member of the Democratic National Committee until 2021. He also held the executive chairman position at the insurance firm Conner, Strong & Bucklew.