George Norcross, the man once considered the most powerful nonelected political leader in the state, is now facing a 13-count indictment that includes racketeering, extortion and coercion in connection with a long-standing criminal enterprise, according to New Jersey’s Attorney General Matt Platkin.
The attorney general’s office held a press conference on Monday, detailing text messages and recorded phone calls in which Norcross allegedly threatened a developer, bragged about influencing legislation that he said “is for our friends” and collected millions in tax incentive dollars.
Norcross sat in the front row of the press conference, staring at Platkin as the charges were outlined.
Norcross’ attorney, Michael Critchley, called the charges “bogus” in a press conference held immediately after the announcement.
In an interview with NJ Spotlight News, investigative reporter Jeff Pillets discusses the charges, which are connected to a state tax incentive program during Gov. Chris Christie’s administration in 2013. Platkin says this was used by Norcross to enrich himself, his business partners, family and political colleagues.
Read the full indictment:
