About a year ago, Mr. Norcross suggested he was stepping back from politics after a series of embarrassing legislative defeats. His public statements coincided with news reports that the attorney general’s office had revived its investigation into more than a billion dollars in tax breaks awarded to South Jersey companies close to Mr. Norcross under legislation backed by former Gov. Chris Christie, a Republican.
Mr. Norcross’s brother, Philip A. Norcross, the chief executive of a law firm based in Camden, was also among those charged by the attorney general, whose office had been investigating Mr. Norcross’s access to government tax breaks.
The charges represent another blow to New Jersey’s already tarnished reputation for political corruption. The state’s senior senator, Robert Menendez, is his sixth week of trial, charged by federal prosecutors with accepting cash, gold bars and a Mercedes-Benz in exchange for his willingness to use his political clout to dole out favors for allies.
The feud between Mr. Murphy and Mr. Norcross appeared to ease as the governor was running for re-election in 2021. Mr. Murphy signed off on his own $14 billion tax incentive package in late 2020, and he and Mr. Norcross began appearing together in public, a scenario that for years was unheard-of.
Last year, as Mr. Murphy’s wife, Tammy Murphy, was vying to run for U.S. Senate, the Camden County Democratic Committee, an influential group controlled by Mr. Norcross, was one of the first political organizations to back her. The endorsement came at a crucial time for Ms. Murphy, a first-time candidate, giving an air of inevitability to her faltering campaign.
Ms. Murphy dropped out of the race in March, days before a crucial building block of Mr. Norcross’s success — a tradition unique to New Jersey in which party leaders gave preferential treatment to their favored candidates on primary election ballots — was declared unconstitutional, first by Mr. Platkin and then by a federal judge.
As a result, Mr. Platkin’s relationship with Mr. Murphy, once one of his closest allies, has frayed.
In addition to Mr. Norcross and his brother, the others charged are:
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William M. Tambussi, 66, of Brigantine, N.J., the longtime personal lawyer for Mr. Norcross.
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Dana L. Redd, 56, of Sicklerville, N.J., the chief executive officer of Camden Community Partnership, and the former mayor of Camden.
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Sidney R. Brown, 67, of Philadelphia, the chief executive of NFI, a trucking and logistics company.
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John J. O’Donnell, 61, of Newtown, Pa., who has been in the executive leadership of the Michaels Organization, a residential development company
This is a breaking news story and will be updated.
George Norcross, a prominent political figure in New Jersey, has been charged in a racketeering case. The news has sent shockwaves through the state’s political landscape, as Norcross is known for his influence and connections in the region.
The charges against Norcross stem from an investigation into alleged corruption and illegal activities within the state’s political system. The case has been closely followed by many, with speculation running rampant about the potential implications for other high-profile figures in New Jersey.
Insider NJ, a popular news outlet in the state, has been providing live stream coverage of the case, allowing viewers to stay up-to-date on the latest developments as they unfold. The coverage has been comprehensive, with reporters on the ground providing real-time updates and analysis of the proceedings.
Norcross, who has denied any wrongdoing, is facing serious allegations that could have far-reaching consequences for his career and reputation. The case is being closely watched by both supporters and critics of the influential political figure, as it could have significant implications for the future of New Jersey politics.
As the case continues to unfold, Insider NJ will be providing live stream coverage of the trial, allowing viewers to follow along with the latest developments and analysis. The outcome of the case could have a major impact on the political landscape in New Jersey, making it a story worth following closely.
