New Jersey State Dismisses Charges Against Political Influencer and Insurance Executive Norcross

New Jersey’s acting attorney general, Jennifer Davenport, announced on Tuesday that she will not seek a review from the state Supreme Court regarding the dismissal of racketeering charges against prominent Democratic figure George E. Norcross III and his co-defendants.

This decision follows a ruling from a three-judge appellate panel that upheld a state judge’s earlier decision to dismiss the criminal charges. The original indictment was filed by Matt Platkin, who served as attorney general under former Governor Phil Murphy.

In a statement, the attorney general’s office explained, “In light of the Appellate Division’s decision, we have concluded that our prosecutorial resources would be best spent on other matters. Our office remains committed to prioritizing public corruption prosecutions in this time of deepening mistrust in government.”

The charges originated from a June 2024 indictment, which was announced during a press conference where Norcross made a notable appearance, sitting directly in front of the attorney general.

Norcross and five other defendants were accused of operating “an enterprise” since 2012, leveraging their political influence to create legislation that served their personal interests. However, a nearly 100-page ruling from the state judge determined that the prosecution’s claims did not constitute criminal coercion or extortion and were also time-barred.

Norcross and his legal team have consistently maintained his innocence, asserting that the indictment was driven by political motivations, a claim that Platkin has repeatedly refuted.

Known as one of the most influential unelected Democrats in New Jersey, Norcross previously served as the executive chairman of the insurance firm Conner Strong & Buckelew. He was also a member of the Democratic National Committee until 2021 and has held the position of head of the Camden County Democratic Party.

Photo: Democratic power broker George Norcross is seen on Aug. 6, 2019, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)

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New Jersey’s acting attorney general, Jennifer Davenport, announced on Tuesday that she will not seek a review from the state Supreme Court regarding the dismissal of racketeering charges against prominent Democratic figure George E. Norcross III and his co-defendants.

This decision follows a ruling from a three-judge appellate panel that upheld a state judge’s earlier decision to dismiss the criminal charges. The original indictment was filed by Matt Platkin, who served as attorney general under former Governor Phil Murphy.

In a statement, the attorney general’s office explained, “In light of the Appellate Division’s decision, we have concluded that our prosecutorial resources would be best spent on other matters. Our office remains committed to prioritizing public corruption prosecutions in this time of deepening mistrust in government.”

The charges originated from a June 2024 indictment, which was announced during a press conference where Norcross made a notable appearance, sitting directly in front of the attorney general.

Norcross and five other defendants were accused of operating “an enterprise” since 2012, leveraging their political influence to create legislation that served their personal interests. However, a nearly 100-page ruling from the state judge determined that the prosecution’s claims did not constitute criminal coercion or extortion and were also time-barred.

Norcross and his legal team have consistently maintained his innocence, asserting that the indictment was driven by political motivations, a claim that Platkin has repeatedly refuted.

Known as one of the most influential unelected Democrats in New Jersey, Norcross previously served as the executive chairman of the insurance firm Conner Strong & Buckelew. He was also a member of the Democratic National Committee until 2021 and has held the position of head of the Camden County Democratic Party.

Photo: Democratic power broker George Norcross is seen on Aug. 6, 2019, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)

Copyright 2026 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Topics
Agencies
New Jersey