Defense argues for dismissal of indictment against political powerbroker George Norcross
George Norcross is accused, along with five others, in a 13-count indictment related to waterfront property in Camden.
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George Norcross faced a judge at the Mercer County Courthouse on Wednesday, as his attorneys attempted to clear him of racketeering charges.
The businessman and Democratic powerbroker from South Jersey is accused, along with five others, in a 13-count indictment related to waterfront property in Camden.
Superior Court Judge Peter Warshaw was hearing oral arguments related to a motion by the defense to dismiss the case.
The state hammered home its argument that this case deserves to go to trial because Norcross extorted and pressured Dranoff Properties and a nonprofit to give up waterfront property in Camden.
Assistant Attorney General Michael Grillo said they did so by "conspiring to strong-arm private citizens into giving up their property rights so that defendants could profit through a tax credit scheme they engineered.”
Grillo argued Norcross had a vice grip on Camden government, specifically former Mayor Dana Redd, who is also accused.
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He referred to an expletive-filled phone call in which George Norcross told Carl Dranoff, “I’ll make sure you never do business in this town again.”
“Through his ability to exercise control over the city of Camden’s government, Mr. Dranoff could be prevented from doing business with the city at all," said Grillo.
When given the chance, the defense said dismissal is warranted because such talk was “routine business conduct,” among, "sophisticated businessmen.”
Attorneys argued this is not extortion.
“It is effectively trying to punish George Norcross for having political influence, the constitution does not allow that," said defense attorney Yaakov Roth.
An attorney for Phil Norcross told Judge Warshaw the indictment doesn’t include any actual crime and suggested it’s not unlawful to be feared or powerful.
“There’s no suggestion that Philip Norcross or anyone else named in this begotten indictment offered or paid a bribe or otherwise took any action to corrupt these elected leaders,” said attorney Kevin Marino.
At one point, Judge Peter Warshaw seemed to agree with the defense, saying of the indictment, “This reads like two guys similarly pugilistic, but one guy has more juice.”
Attorneys for all six defendants are being heard.
Once all have argued for dismissal, Judge Peter Warshaw will then have to rule on whether to dismiss the charges or allow for a trial.
