Several prominent leaders of the New Jersey Democratic Party have been indicted in a corruption scandal dating back more than a decade.
On Monday, New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin, who was appointed to take office in 2022 by Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy, announced multiple charges, including first-degree organized crime, against six defendants: George Norcross III, Philip Norcross, William Tambussi, Dana Redd, Sidney Brown and John O’Donnell.
“Norcross Enterprises’ alleged conduct has caused great harm to individuals, businesses, nonprofits and the people of New Jersey, particularly the City of Camden and its residents. That ends today.”
According to Platkins press releaseThe group, known as Norcross Enterprises, used improper means to acquire property, particularly in Camden, then worked with government officials to “craft” laws and regulations in their favor. When officials and other residents refused to cooperate, the group resorted to “coercion, extortion and other criminal acts” to get its way, the press release said.
The scandal dates back to at least 2012 and authorities have been investigating it “for years,” Platkin argued.
“This indictment makes abundantly clear that a group of unelected private businessmen used their power and influence to get government to support their criminal enterprise and advance their own profits,” Platkin said in a statement. “Norcross Enterprises’ alleged actions have caused great harm to individuals, businesses, nonprofits and the people of New Jersey, particularly the City of Camden and its residents. This ends today. We must never allow our tax-funded politics and government to be used as weapons against the people they serve. Today we reaffirm that no one can be above the law in this state. End of story.”
Of the six defendants indicted, IndictmentRedd, a former mayor of Camden and former Democratic state senator, is the only one to have been elected to public office, but other legislators, particularly George Norcross, exerted considerable influence over the state’s political landscape.
POLITICO He argued that 68-year-old George Norcross had “ruled” New Jersey for “decades” and that “many politicians were afraid to cross him.” Associated Press He called him one of the “most influential non-electoral Democrats in the state.”
A former member of the Democratic National Committee and former chair of the Camden County Democratic Party, Norcross has also worked with prominent New Jersey Republicans, including former Governor Chris Christie. Norcross, who now lives in Palm Beach, Florida, is also a former member of former President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago Club.
One New Jersey official likened the indictment to a political “earthquake,” while another likened the indictment to an “atomic bomb.”
“I want to stand there and witness the extraordinary shame and outrageous conduct of government officials who try to act like they’re saints.”
Norcross also attended the news conference announcing Platkin’s indictment, saying afterward, “I wanted to stand there and bear witness to the extraordinary shame and outrageous conduct of government officials who try to act like they’re saints.”
“I want Matt Platkin to come in here and try this case himself, because he’s a coward. He forced the people in this building to do his will.”
Also indicted: Philip Norcross, a Philadelphia attorney with a “spotless reputation,” according to his lawyer. Another of Norcross’s brothers, Donald Norcross, a Democratic congressman from New Jersey, has not been indicted.
“I love my brothers, I believe in the rule of law, and they will have the opportunity to defend themselves in court,” Rep. Norcross said in a statement.
Tambussi is also an attorney and a former outside counsel for the city of Camden. For the past 35 years, he has also served as counsel to the Camden County Democratic Committee. His lawyer did not respond to requests for comment from The Associated Press.
Redd’s attorney, Henry Klingemann, argued that she “did nothing wrong.” Klingemann argued that Redd had contributed to the community and cooperated with the investigation.
The other defendants have not yet hired lawyers.
The first-degree organized crime charge alone carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $200,000 fine, plus “additional penalties,” which Platkin has already indicated he intends to seek.
Like Blaze News? Bypass the censorship and sign up for our newsletter to get stories like this directly to your inbox. Register here!
