Twelve-Year Conspiracy Allegedly Acquired Camden Waterfront Properties Illegally

Attorney General Platkin Announces Racketeering Charges Against Six Defendants in Criminal Enterprise Led by George Norcross

Conspiracy Spanning Twelve Years Resulted in Acquisition of Camden Waterfront Property Through Unlawful Means

Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) announced today the filing of criminal charges against six defendants following a lengthy investigation into a criminal enterprise led by George E. Norcross III and his associates. The thirteen-count indictment unsealed today alleges that the Norcross Enterprise unlawfully acquired property and property rights on the Camden Waterfront, collected millions in government-issued tax credits, and controlled and influenced government officials to benefit the enterprise.

The indictment, spanning from 2012 to the present, claims that the Norcross Enterprise manipulated government officials to craft legislation favorable to the enterprise. With the cooperation of then-Camden Mayor Dana Redd and other officials, parts of the city’s government were allegedly used to acquire property and property rights through coercion, extortion, and other criminal activities. The following defendants are charged with first-degree racketeering:

George E. Norcross, III, 68, of Palm Beach, Florida: Executive Chairman of Conner, Strong & Buckelew and Chairman of Cooper Health's board of trustees.
Philip A. Norcross, 61, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Attorney, Managing Shareholder and CEO of Parker McCay, and board member of Cooper Health.
William M. Tambussi, 66, of Brigantine, New Jersey: Attorney and partner at Brown and Connery, long-time personal attorney to George Norcross, and counsel to various Camden and Cooper Health entities.
Dana L. Redd, 56, of Sicklerville, New Jersey: CEO of Camden Community Partnership, former Mayor of Camden, and former member of Camden City Council and New Jersey Senate.
Sidney R. Brown, 67, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: CEO of NFI and board member of Cooper Health.
John J. O’Donnell, 61, of Newtown, Pennsylvania: Executive leader of The Michaels Organization and partner in several Camden building ownership groups.

The defendants face additional charges, including financial facilitation, misconduct by a corporate official, and conspiracy to commit theft by extortion, criminal coercion, financial facilitation, and official misconduct.

“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 and further its interests. The alleged conduct of the Norcross Enterprise has caused great harm to individuals, businesses, non-profits, the people of the State of New Jersey, and especially the City of Camden and its residents," said Attorney General Platkin.

The indictment details serious first and second-degree offenses, carrying sentences ranging from five to 20 years in state prison and substantial fines. First-degree charges, such as racketeering, are subject to the No Early Release Act, mandating an 85% parole disqualifier and potential additional financial penalties, including forfeiture of proceeds from criminal activities. Second-degree charges carry sentences of five to 10 years in state prison and fines up to $150,000.

The arraignment is scheduled for July 9 at 10 a.m. before Superior Court Judge Peter E. Warshaw Jr. in Mercer County. The indictment follows a long-term investigation by the Attorney General’s Office of Public Integrity and Accountability.

These charges and allegations are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.