Six Defendants Charged with Racketeering in Criminal Enterprise Led by George Norcross, Says Attorney General Platkin

Conspiracy Uncovered Over a Twelve-Year Span Reveals Unlawful Acquisition of Camden Waterfront Property and Property Rights June 17, 2024 TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–In a groundbreaking announcement, Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, alongside the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA), unveiled a complex and extensive criminal enterprise masterminded by George E. Norcross III and his cohorts in South Jersey and beyond. The indictment unsealed today, consisting of thirteen counts, exposes a series of illicit activities orchestrated by the Norcross Enterprise to secure property and property rights on the Camden Waterfront for personal gain and that of others. The operation also involved the improper collection of millions of dollars in government-issued tax credits, as well as the manipulation and influence of government officials to advance the interests of the enterprise. These allegations trace back to as early as 2012, revealing a long-standing pattern of abuse of power and coercion to achieve unlawful objectives. The indictment, which can be accessed here, details how the Norcross Enterprise exploited its leverage over government officials to tailor legislation in favor of the enterprise. With the assistance of then-Camden Mayor Dana Redd and other officials, the enterprise utilized various branches of the city government to facilitate the acquisition of property and property rights through coercive and criminal means. The six defendants implicated in the indictment are facing charges of first-degree racketeering: George E. Norcross III, 68, of Palm Beach, Florida, serves as the executive chairman of the insurance company Conner, Strong & Buckelew and chairs the board of trustees for Cooper Health. Philip A. Norcross, 61, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is an attorney and the managing shareholder and CEO of Parker McCay, a New Jersey law firm. William M. Tambussi, 66, of Brigantine, New Jersey, is a partner at the law firm Brown and Connery and has been a longtime personal attorney to George Norcross. Dana L. Redd, 56, of Sicklerville, New Jersey, the former Mayor of Camden, is currently the CEO of Camden Community Partnership. Sidney R. Brown, 67, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is the CEO of NFI, a logistics company, and a partner in the groups that own several properties in Camden. John J. O’Donnell, 61, of Newtown, Pennsylvania, has held executive positions with The Michaels Organization, a residential development company, and is also a partner in the groups that own properties at the center of the allegations. Additionally, the defendants are charged with multiple counts of financial facilitation, misconduct by a corporate official, and official misconduct, as well as conspiring to commit theft by extortion and criminal coercion. Attorney General Platkin condemned the actions of the Norcross Enterprise, asserting that the indictment reveals a criminal operation that has been active in the state for over a decade. Platkin emphasized the detrimental impact of the enterprise’s activities on individuals, businesses, non-profits, and the residents of New Jersey, particularly those in Camden. He underscored the importance of holding those responsible for such misconduct accountable, emphasizing that no one is above the law, regardless of their position or influence. The prosecution of this case will be overseen by Drew Skinner, Executive Director of the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability, who commended the collaborative effort that led to this indictment. Skinner highlighted the commitment of law enforcement agencies to combat corruption and criminal activities that undermine public trust in government institutions. Special Agent in Charge James Dennehy of the FBI’s Newark Field Office and Special Agent in Charge Wayne A. Jacobs of the FBI’s Philadelphia office reiterated their agencies’ dedication to upholding the law and protecting the community. The charges brought forth in the 111-page indictment are serious offenses, ranging from first to second-degree violations, with severe penalties including lengthy prison sentences and substantial fines. The arraignment of the defendants is scheduled for July 9 before Superior Court Judge Peter E. Warshaw Jr. in Mercer County. The investigation leading to these charges was a collaborative effort involving the Attorney General’s Office, the FBI’s Newark and Philadelphia Field Offices, the Division of Criminal Justice, and the New Jersey State Police. The Attorney General also acknowledged the contributions of the United States Attorney’s Offices for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and the District of New Jersey in this case. Prosecution will be led by a team of experienced attorneys under the direction of Executive Director Drew Skinner and former Executive Director Thomas J. Eicher, who is retiring at the end of the month. This significant development underscores the unwavering commitment of law enforcement agencies to combat corruption and hold accountable those who abuse their positions for personal gain. The pursuit of justice in this case reflects a collaborative and relentless effort to uphold the law and protect the integrity of government institutions.