Powerful NJ political boss George Norcross accused of racketeering in sweeping indictment

George E. Norcross III, a powerful executive and political figure in New Jersey for decades, was indicted Monday on racketeering and related charges, the state attorney general announced.

The sweeping indictment alleges he led a criminal enterprise that used extortion to promote his vast business and political and philanthropic empire — in the process, illegally securing hundreds of millions of dollars in tax credits and rights to build developments on the valuable Camden waterfront, across from Philadelphia.

Attorney General Matthew Platkin says those efforts were aided by elected officials including then-Mayor Dana Redd, whose political career George Norcross nurtured, and who is also charged in the indictment. And the indictment additionally charges George Norcross’ brother Philip, a politically connected lawyer Platkin says helped write the legislation to secure the tax breaks.