Zoe Magid Senior Advisor to the Attorney General | New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety
Zoe Magid Senior Advisor to the Attorney General | New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety
Attorney General Platkin announces racketeering charges against six defendants in criminal enterprise led by George Norcross
TRENTON — Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) announced the filing of criminal charges against six defendants following a years-long investigation into a criminal enterprise run by George E. Norcross III and his associates in South Jersey and elsewhere. The thirteen-count indictment unsealed today alleges that through a series of unlawful acts, the Norcross Enterprise obtained property and property rights on the Camden Waterfront for itself and others, collected millions of dollars in government-issued tax credits, and controlled and influenced government officials to further the interests of the enterprise.
The indictment alleges that from as early as 2012 through the present, the Norcross Enterprise used its power and influence over government officials to craft legislation tailored to serve the interests of the enterprise. With the cooperation of then-Camden Mayor Dana Redd and other officials, parts of the city’s government were allegedly used to aid the enterprise in acquiring property and property rights for itself and others through coercion, extortion, and other criminal acts. All six defendants are charged with first-degree racketeering:
George E. Norcross III, 68, of Palm Beach, Florida, is executive chairman of Conner Strong & Buckelew and chairman of Cooper Health's board of trustees.
Philip A. Norcross, 61, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is an attorney and managing shareholder/CEO of Parker McCay. He also serves on Cooper Health's board.
William M. Tambussi, 66, of Brigantine, New Jersey, is an attorney at Brown and Connery. He has served as counsel to various entities including Cooper Health.
Dana L. Redd, 56, of Sicklerville, New Jersey, is currently CEO of Camden Community Partnership. She previously served as Camden's mayor from 2010 to 2018.
Sidney R. Brown, 67, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is CEO of NFI trucking company and serves on Cooper Health's board.
John J. O’Donnell, 61, of Newtown, Pennsylvania has held various executive roles at The Michaels Organization.
The defendants face additional charges including financial facilitation and official misconduct.
“The indictment unsealed today alleges that George Norcross has been running a criminal enterprise in this state for at least the last twelve years,” said Attorney General Platkin. “On full display in this indictment is how a group of unelected private businessmen used their power and influence to get government to aid their criminal enterprise.”
Drew Skinner from OPIA will oversee prosecution: “Today’s indictment marks the culmination of a years-long collaborative investigation."
James Dennehy from FBI Newark Field Office stated: “We will do everything within our purview to bring to justice anyone accused.”
Wayne A. Jacobs from FBI Philadelphia added: “FBI remains steadfast in our commitment to protecting the American people.”
First-degree charges carry sentences up to 20 years in prison with fines up to $200K; second-degree charges carry sentences up to 10 years with fines up to $150K.
These charges are accusations; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The arraignment is scheduled for July 9 before Superior Court Judge Peter E. Warshaw Jr., Mercer County.
This investigation involved multiple agencies including FBI Newark/Philadelphia Field Offices under James Dennehy/Wayne Jacobs respectively; Division of Criminal Justice under Director J. Stephen Ferketic; NJ State Police under Colonel Patrick Callahan; U.S Attorney’s Offices for Eastern District PA/NJ under Jacqueline Romero/Philip Sellinger respectively.
Deputy Director Michael Breslin along with Assistant Attorneys General Andrew Wellbrock/Michael Grillo are prosecuting under Drew Skinner’s supervision.
Defense counsel:
George E. Norcross III: Michael Critchley
Philip A. Norcross: Kevin Marino
William M. Tambussi: Thomas Gosse
Dana L. Redd: Henry Klingeman
Sidney R. Brown: no defense counsel listed
John J. O’Donnell: no defense counsel listed
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