George Norcross III, the prominent insurance executive, is facing serious allegations of running a criminal enterprise to exploit the Camden waterfront redevelopment. However, his legal team has recently filed a motion asking the court to dismiss the indictment against him.
The New Jersey Attorney General’s Office charged Norcross and five others, including his brother Philip Norcross, with racketeering charges in June. They are accused of scheming to acquire high-value projects along the waterfront, leveraging government officials and intimidating business competitors to advance their agenda and pocket state tax credits amounting to millions of dollars in the process.
MORE:
Graffiti Pier will be sold to DRWC by the end of the year, Conrail says
In their defense, the defendants argue that the state has failed to substantiate any criminal activities in the indictment. They claim that the alleged threats were simply part of tough business negotiations and deny any wrongdoing.
George Norcross III, who entered a plea of not guilty in July, is the father of Lexie Norcross, founder and chairwoman of PhillyVoice. Philip Norcross is Lexie’s uncle.
The legal motion filed by Norcross’s team likens the indictment to a subpar summer movie and references novelist Franz Kafka. It asserts that the state’s case lacks legal merit and argues that the accused are innocent of criminal threats and official misconduct.
‘Classic Hard Bargaining’
In a bold move, Norcross’s attorneys acknowledge his confrontational language towards a developer but argue that it was merely tough negotiation tactics between seasoned businessmen.
“Sure, Norcross’s language may have gotten heated,” the motion reads. “But using expletives in business negotiations is not a crime either.”
The defense also contends that the alleged actions towards the CEO of Cooper’s Ferry Partnership were not illegal under extortion laws as threatening termination does not equate to blackmail.
‘Politics, not a crime’
The motion disputes the charges of official misconduct, claiming that former Camden Mayor Dana Redd acted within the bounds of her public office and dismissing claims of abuse of power.
“Ultimately, the Indictment seems to bristle at the fact that the Mayor was especially responsive to the wishes of certain constituents,” the motion states. “But that is politics, not a crime.”
The lengthy document further asserts that the alleged crimes are beyond the statute of limitations and that recent actions mentioned in the indictment, like assisting Redd in finding a new job, are irrelevant.
A spokesperson for the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office expressed confidence in their charges and readiness to respond to the motion to dismiss in court.
Follow Kristin & PhillyVoice on Twitter: @kristin_hunt | @thePhillyVoice
Like us on Facebook: PhillyVoice
Have a news tip? Let us know.