New Jersey Racketeering Charges Against Powerbroker George Norcross Upheld on Appeal
A New Jersey appeals court has upheld the dismissal of racketeering charges against prominent Democratic powerbroker George E. Norcross III and five others, effectively clearing them of allegations that they exploited government programs and intimidated business rivals in Camden.
Last February, a Mercer County Superior Court judge dismissed the indictment against Norcross and his co-defendants, citing lack of evidence to support the claims. The ruling has now been upheld by a three-judge panel with the state's Superior Court appellate division, who rejected the prosecution's arguments that key evidence was withheld or mishandled.
The case centers around allegations that Norcross and his associates used intimidation tactics and exploited government programs to secure lucrative waterfront deals in Camden. Prosecutors claimed that Norcross would "f*** you up like you've never been f***ed up before" if a rival developer, Carl Dranoff, refused to relinquish his rights to the property.
However, the appeals court found no evidence to support these claims, ruling that the prosecution's case did not meet the required standards. The judges also questioned the state's argument that tax benefits reaped by Norcross and his allies extended the statute of limitations for pursuing charges beyond the completion of development deals.
The ruling has significant implications for the investigation into Camden politics, which has been marked by allegations of corruption and exploitation. Acting Attorney General Jennifer Davenport has stated that her office is reviewing the decision, but it appears that the appeals court has effectively shut down the case against Norcross and his associates.
As one of New Jersey's most influential powerbrokers, George Norcross has long been a prominent figure in state politics. His brother Philip Norcross, an attorney, Dana Redd, the former mayor of Camden, Bill Tambussi, Norcross's longtime personal attorney, John O'Donnell, an executive at a residential development company, and Sidney Brown, a Cooper University Health Care board member, were all also charged with racketeering.
A New Jersey appeals court has upheld the dismissal of racketeering charges against prominent Democratic powerbroker George E. Norcross III and five others, effectively clearing them of allegations that they exploited government programs and intimidated business rivals in Camden.
Last February, a Mercer County Superior Court judge dismissed the indictment against Norcross and his co-defendants, citing lack of evidence to support the claims. The ruling has now been upheld by a three-judge panel with the state's Superior Court appellate division, who rejected the prosecution's arguments that key evidence was withheld or mishandled.
The case centers around allegations that Norcross and his associates used intimidation tactics and exploited government programs to secure lucrative waterfront deals in Camden. Prosecutors claimed that Norcross would "f*** you up like you've never been f***ed up before" if a rival developer, Carl Dranoff, refused to relinquish his rights to the property.
However, the appeals court found no evidence to support these claims, ruling that the prosecution's case did not meet the required standards. The judges also questioned the state's argument that tax benefits reaped by Norcross and his allies extended the statute of limitations for pursuing charges beyond the completion of development deals.
The ruling has significant implications for the investigation into Camden politics, which has been marked by allegations of corruption and exploitation. Acting Attorney General Jennifer Davenport has stated that her office is reviewing the decision, but it appears that the appeals court has effectively shut down the case against Norcross and his associates.
As one of New Jersey's most influential powerbrokers, George Norcross has long been a prominent figure in state politics. His brother Philip Norcross, an attorney, Dana Redd, the former mayor of Camden, Bill Tambussi, Norcross's longtime personal attorney, John O'Donnell, an executive at a residential development company, and Sidney Brown, a Cooper University Health Care board member, were all also charged with racketeering.
It just goes to show how hard it is for the law to catch up with powerful people who have built their influence over time. I mean, come on, "f*** you up like you've never been f***ed up before"? That's some serious intimidation tactics right there! 
But seriously, this case was always going to be tough to win because of the lack of concrete evidence. It just goes to show that even when we think there's corruption and abuse of power, it can be hard to prove in court.
We need more transparency and accountability, especially from people in positions of power. That's the only way we'll ever start to rebuild trust in our institutions. 
. The implication is that if you're rich and well-connected, you can get away with pretty much anything, which is not the kind of system we want in our country.
. We need more transparency and accountability in New Jersey politics, and this ruling just makes it harder to get there.
, this is just another example of how the system can be abused... I mean, come on! The prosecution's case against George Norcross was already super shaky, and now it seems like the appeals court just rubber-stamped everything for him? 
It's not exactly surprising, though - corruption and abuse of power are pretty rampant in politics these days. But still, it's frustrating to see someone as influential as Norcross getting off scot-free. And what about all the other people involved in the case who were charged but got cleared because of this ruling? 
. But what's wild is that there were these super serious allegations about them using intimidation tactics and exploiting government programs, and now it seems like they're just going to get a slap on the wrist 
. I don't know what's more interesting - the fact that the prosecution couldn't prove anything or the fact that some people are totally okay with corrupt politicians getting away with stuff 
.
so yeah maybe we should just move on from this whole thing and focus on more pressing issues like actually fixing camden's infrastructure 
. I mean, if they're gonna play dirty, at least have some solid proof, right? 
...and what's up with the intimidation tactics? "F*** you up like you've never been f***ed up before"? that's just gross 
. hopefully this doesn't set a bad precedent for future cases 
. The fact that the appeals court upheld the dismissal of the charges against him and his associates is just frustrating 
.