New Jersey’s attorney general charges an influential Democratic power broker with racketeering

New Jersey’s attorney general has charged influential Democratic power broker George Norcross with racketeering and other charges in connection with government-issued tax credits, according to an indictment unsealed Monday.

Norcross, a former Democratic National Committee member and onetime head of the Camden County Democratic Party, has been an influential figure in state politics. The indictment alleges Norcross and others got property rights along the Camden waterfront and collected millions of dollars in state-backed tax credits.

The indictment says Norcoss and his associates “used their political influence to tailor New Jersey economic development legislation to their preferences. After the legislation was enacted in September 2013, members and associates of the Norcross Enterprise conspired to, and did, extort and coerce others to obtain — for certain individuals and business entities — properties and property rights on the Camden, New Jersey waterfront and associated tax incentive credits.”

At a news conference in Trenton on Monday, state Attorney General Matt Platkin accused Norcross of leading a criminal enterprise and obtaining millions in tax credits and property rights along the Delaware River waterfront in Camden.

Platkin, a Democrat, said Norcross told a developer to relinquish his property rights or he would make it impossible for the developer to do business in Camden.

Norcross sat in the front row during the news conference, steadily watching the attorney general as he detailed the criminal counts against him. Asked what he made of Norcross’ presence Monday, Platkin said he had no comment.

Michael Critchley, Norcross’ attorney, tried to ask the attorney general a question, but Platkin left before Critchley could ask anything. A message seeking comment was left with Norcross’ attorney and a spokesperson.

This story has been updated with additional developments.