TRENTON, N.J. — The long-running racketeering case against George E. Norcross III, one of New Jersey’s most powerful Democratic political figures, has officially come to an end after state prosecutors declined to appeal a court ruling dismissing all charges.

Acting Attorney General Jennifer Davenport announced in February 2026 that she would not seek review by the New Jersey Supreme Court, bringing final closure to the high-profile prosecution that had captivated state politics for nearly two years.

Norcross, 69, and five co-defendants — including his brother, Philip Norcross; former Camden Mayor Dana Redd; and attorney William Tambussi — were indicted in June 2024 on charges including first-degree racketeering, financial facilitation and conspiracy. Prosecutors alleged the group operated a criminal enterprise that used political influence to craft legislation serving their own interests and to acquire valuable property along the Camden waterfront through coercion.

The indictment’s most striking allegation involved a recorded phone call in which Norcross told a rival developer, who refused to surrender property rights, that he would ensure the developer would “never do business in Camden again.” When the developer asked, “Are you threatening me?” Norcross replied, “Absolutely.”

Then-Attorney General Matthew Platkin, who brought the charges, argued the case demonstrated that “no one in our state is above the law.”

But Superior Court Judge Peter E. Warshaw Jr. dismissed the entire 13-count indictment in February 2025, ruling that the allegations did not amount to criminal coercion or extortion and that several charges were time-barred. A three-judge appellate panel upheld that decision in January 2026.

Acting Attorney General Davenport, appointed by Gov. Mikie Sherrill, cited the court rulings in her decision not to pursue a further appeal.

“In light of the Appellate Division’s decision, we have concluded that our prosecutorial resources would be best spent on other matters,” Davenport said.

Norcross, executive chairman of the insurance firm Conner Strong & Buckelew and a longtime force in South Jersey politics, attended the original indictment press conference and called Platkin a “coward.” His spokesman later celebrated the outcome, suggesting those behind the prosecution should be “held to account.”

Platkin defended his office’s work, noting that a grand jury had approved the charges.

“I will never apologize for believing that everyone should be held to the same standards, no matter how powerful they may be,” he said.

The dismissal ends a legal saga that tested the boundaries between political influence and criminal conduct in New Jersey development politics.

Sources

New Jersey Monitor – NJ Supreme Court and George Norcross briefing

New Jersey Globe – Judges tosses Norcross indictment

New Jersey Globe – Norcross wins as appellate court affirms dismissal of indictment

New Jersey Office of the Attorney General – Attorney General Platkin announces racketeering charges against six defendants in criminal enterprise led by George Norcross

NJ.com – New Jersey fights to revive explosive corruption case against one of the state’s most powerful Democrats

NJ 101.5 – George Norcross legal ruling

U.S. News & World Report – Prosecutors drop racketeering case against New Jersey Democratic power broker and co-defendants