George Norcross and others plead not guilty; defense lawyers dismissed indictment calling it a ‘press release’
George Norcross and his co-defendants have been accused of developing Camden’s waterfront properties by manipulating a state tax-credit program.
Michael Critchley (at the microphone) said the indictment against George E. Norcross III (left) does not explain the crime his client is accused of. Norcross and five others have been charged in a racketeering scheme to control the Camden waterfront. (P. Kenneth Burns/WHYY)
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The Democratic boss of South Jersey, George E. Norcross III, and four of his co-defendants pleaded not guilty at the Mercer County Superior Court Tuesday morning.
George Norcross, his brother Phil Norcross, former Camden Mayor Dana Redd and the two other defendants each entered not guilty pleas before Judge Peter Warshaw. A sixth co-defendant, Sidney Brown, will be arraigned next month because of his attorney’s scheduling conflict.
This was George Norcross’s first court appearance since his indictment in June for racketeering and other charges.
In the 13-count indictment, New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin alleged that George Norcross and his co-defendants manipulated a state tax credit program and acquired and developed Camden’s waterfront properties to reap profits.
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Norcross has long been a boogeyman of many progressive New Jersey Democrats, who saw him as enriching himself while poorer residents languished.
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After the arraignment, George Norcross’s attorney, Michael Critchley dismissed the indictment, calling it a “press release”. He said the document describes everything but the alleged crime and that he expects his client to be exonerated of all charges.
Critchley dismissed a question about whether George Norcross is being pressured to step down as chair of Cooper Health Care.
This is a developing story.
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