Congressman’s office credits doctors with saving his life after gallbladder infection Donald Norcross (D-Camden) has been released from the hospital after a nearly month-long stay though the congressman’s rehabilitation period could keep him away from Washington for a while longer “Congressman Donald Norcross has been discharged from Cooper Hospital following his recent serious medical incident and has begun his rehabilitation,” Norcross’s office said in a statement “The Congressman is making remarkable and steady progress and is well on his way to making a full recovery.” and his office acknowledged today that the episode had threatened his life “The Congressman thanks the entire Cooper team for the excellent care he received especially the doctors and nurses who saved his life,” Norcross’s office said Norcross was transferred from North Carolina to New Jersey a few days after he was first hospitalized, and was transferred out of intensive care last week before being fully released from the hospital today But the congressman’s release does not mean he’ll immediately be able to return to all of his congressional duties Norcross’s office said he will “need an extended recovery that could take some weeks” as he goes through the rehabilitation process in New Jersey Norcross, a six-term representative from South Jersey, is typically a loyal Democratic vote in the House, and his absence in recent weeks has meant that Democrats have had to make do with one less member, including on an extremely close budget resolution vote last month Norcross’s prolonged recovery could continue to give Republicans a bit more breathing room on tight votes Even if Norcross isn’t physically present in Washington his office says he remains very much in the loop about what’s transpiring there “Congressman Norcross is in constant contact with his staff and actively monitoring events in Washington and South Jersey as he continues to fight for seniors’ health care and access to affordable prescription drugs,” his office said today “He and his family continue to be overwhelmed by the support and well wishes they have received.” hospitalized more than three weeks ago for an infection that led to a life-threatening condition has entered an in-patient rehabilitation facility "is making remarkable and steady progress and is well on his way to making a full recovery," the office said in a statement The congressman "is in constant contact with his staff and actively monitoring events in Washington and South Jersey," the statement added Politics: Who is running for NJ governor in 2025? And how much money have they raised thus far? Norcross was hospitalized in North Carolina on April 6 after falling ill with a gallbladder infection during a trip He was moved the next day to Cooper University Hospital in Camden Norcross remained in Cooper's Intensive Care Unit until April 18 His recovery was challenged when Norcross developed sepsis, an extreme response to infection that can cause shock and even death Thursday's statement noted his gratitude to "the entire Cooper team for the excellent care he received especially the doctors and nurses who saved his life." It also said Norcross and his family "continue to be overwhelmed by the support and well wishes they have received.” Norcross has served in Congress since November 2014 Jim Walsh is a senior reporter with the Courier-Post Burlington County Times and The Daily Journal 2025New Jersey congressman Donald Norcross is in ICU battling a life-threatening condition.New Jersey congressman Donald Norcross is in ICU Norcross is being treated at Cooper University Health Care He was first hospitalized back on April 6 in North Carolina The Camden Democrat has since been diagnosed with a gallbladder infection which made the dangerous progression into sepsis His office says Norcross is responding well to treatment but faces a long recovery The latest news and information from the world's most respected news source BBC World Service delivers up-to-the-minute news Prosecutors say Superior Court Judge Peter Warshaw granted a motion to Norcross attorneys that doesn’t exist in law chairman of the board of Cooper University Health Care listens to speakers during a groundbreaking ceremony for the hospital's $3 billion expansion Jan State's Opening Brief by WHYY News on Scribd Superior Court Judge Peter Warshaw ordered the dismissal of the indictment State prosecutors plan to appeal “immediately.” Prosecutors said there are only two types of motions to dismiss — a facial motion and a “some evidence” motion — and that Warshaw granted a third kind of motion “that does not exist in our law or any other.” “The trial court did not identify legal defects that would make conviction impossible with more evidence,” they said “Instead the trial court simply asked whether there was sufficient evidence cited in the indictment itself without reviewing the reams of testimony and exhibits the grand jury saw.” prosecutors presented more than 2,000 pages of testimony including 341 pieces of evidence to a grand jury over a five-month period Last June, a grand jury returned a 13-count indictment against Norcross, his younger brother Philip Norcross, former Camden Mayor Dana L. Redd, logistics executive Sidney R. Brown, attorney William M. Tambussi and developer John O’Donnell. All of the defendants have pleaded not guilty After a day of arguments in January, Warshaw dismissed the indictment the following month stating the allegations did not constitute a crime and that prosecutors filed the charges too late Prosecutors allege that George Norcross and his allies conspired to take control of waterfront properties to further his business interests and his image as a hero in Camden Defense attorneys for the Norcross enterprise called the indictment nothing more than a press release and that Attorney General Matt Platkin is trying to boost his own profile for future political office They called Warshaw’s decision “bulletproof.” But Johnson said it is unknown what will happen before a three-judge panel on appeal the defense is going to make their arguments that this decision from below is a bulletproof decision,” she said “Whether they’ll be successful on appeal JoEllyn Jones, a practitioner in residence with Seton Hall University Law School’s Center for Social Justice, said the judicial panel will take a look at the entire record before making a verdict. From there, the dismissal could either stand, be reversed or they could “kind of split the baby.” “The Appellate Division has a number of options,” Jones explained The free WHYY News Daily newsletter delivers the most important local stories to your inbox WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today. Defense attorneys argue George Norcross' connections to Camden city government Prosecutors argue defense attorneys for the South Jersey Democratic boss and his co-defendants don’t understand the charges against them Kenneth Burns is WHYY’s New Jersey reporter Together we can reach 100% of WHYY’s fiscal year goal local news and information and world-class entertainment to everyone in our community WHYY offers a voice to those not heard, a platform to share everyone’s stories, a foundation to empower early and lifelong learners and a trusted space for unbiased news. Learn more about Social Responsibility at WHYY Link IconCopy linkFacebook LogoShare on FacebookXShare on XEmailShare via EmailLink copied to clipboardDonald Norcross discharged from hospital following gallbladder infectionThe Camden Democrat spent several weeks at Cooper University Hospital Norcross is “on his way to making a full recovery,” his staff said adding that he has “begun his rehabilitation,” but did not provide specifics Sepsis is a condition in which “infection-fighting processes turn on the body, causing organs to work poorly,” according to the Mayo Clinic but remained in the hospital as his condition improved “He and his family continue to be overwhelmed by the support and well wishes they have received,” his staff said in a statement Linda Sánchez of California to make Workers’ Memorial Day a federal holiday The act would not only designate April 28 as a federal holiday but also seeks to recognize workers that have been injured calling proposed cuts to Pell Grants “draconian.” South Jersey representative hospitalized for gallbladder infection early April Briana Vannozzi, Anchor | April 16, 2025 | Politics Donald Norcross (D-1st) remains in intensive care following a gallbladder infection that progressed to sepsis Norcross is being treated at Cooper University Health Care in Camden after first being hospitalized on April 6 while traveling in North Carolina and he is on his way to making a full recovery,” read a statement from Norcross’ office “The Cooper medical team was able to remove the gallstone and is treating the infection and its complications Congressman Norcross is responding well to treatment but faces an extended recovery that could require physical rehabilitation,” Norcross’ physician said in a statement It is unclear when the 66-year-old Democratic congressman will be able to return to Washington giving the House’s Republican majority further advantage as it tries to pass a tax cut and debt ceiling bill with a narrow majority Members of Congress have to be physically present in the Capitol to cast a vote will remain open for constituents and his staff says he’s been in regular contact Briana Vannozzi serves as the anchor for NJ Spotlight News She's worked in several capacities since joining the news division in 2012 as interim anchor and senior correspondent after years of general assignment reporting as a multimedia journalist Vannozzi began her television journalism career by cutting her teeth on New Jersey State House politics for New Jersey Network News and later as a news radio correspondent at FM News 101.9 covering crime and politics in New York City Her work has taken her to national presidential nominating conventions up and down the East Coast and every corner of the Garden State She's interviewed every New Jersey governor dating back to Jon Corzine and moderated numerous political debates and forums Her work has also earned awards from the New Jersey Society of Professional Journalists and the Philadelphia Press Association she's honored to be serving and covering her home state and raising her family there SUBSCRIBE NJ Spotlight is part of The WNET Group and is operated by WNET a non-profit organization exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code Hall County authorities are charging a Norcross teen with several traffic offenses after a Sunday night car chase that ended in a crash on Green Street in Gainesville The Hall County Sheriff’s Office said Sebastian Almonte was taken to the Hall County Jail on Monday.  Almonte was taken to a local hospital after the wreck Deputies reportedly received a law enforcement be on the lookout for a 2013 Chevrolet Camaro SS that fled from Suwanee Police officers earlier in the day A deputy spotted the vehicle heading north toward Green Street at around 6:15 p.m.  The deputy initiated a traffic stop using lights and sirens at the Riverside Drive/Green Street split due to the suspect’s reckless behavior struck the deputy’s push bar while fleeing.  The pursuit continued north on Thompson Bridge Road but the deputy lost visual contact in north Hall County and subsequently deactivated his emergency equipment Other deputies in the area spotted the vehicle and followed the car south on Thompson Bridge Road to Dunlap Landing Road where the Georgia State Patrol began a pursuit The Georgia State Patrol has confirmed the Sunday evening crash involving a Black Camaro on Green Street in Gainesville was a police pursuit.  Officials with GSP said troopers were requested by the Hall County Sheriff’s Office to aid in the chase of the vehicle traveling south on SR Troopers reportedly observed the Camaro traveling south on the roadway in the right lane at a high rate of speed.  The Camaro then continued south onto Green St. where it then traveled into the northbound lane sideswiping a BMW that was also in the lane The Camaro then ran off the roadway and came to an uncontrollable stop Three teen occupants then exited the Camaro.  The driver of the BMW was transported to NEGA Medical Center in Gainesville with serious injuries the driver and a passenger of the Camaro were transported to Northeast Georgia  Medical Center in Gainesville The passenger of the Camaro was released.   No details have been made available as to what caused the initial pursuit but actions and results are plentiful from an apparent pursuit by law enforcement following a speeding motor vehicle Sunday evening Several social media posts Sunday night reported that the city of Gainesville's Green Street was blocked after 6:00 p.m where images on several locations showed a wrecked black Camaro on the greenway area in front of the United States Postal Service (USPS) building on Green Street.  Numerous Georgia State Patrol and some Hall County Sheriff's Office and city of Gainesville Police Department vehicles were seen blocking off the area of Green Street Butler Parkway and past Thompson Bridge Road Sunday night The Hall County Sheriff's Office social media page reported that Green Street had been reopened after 9:30 p.m with few further details behind the roadway's closure Requests from AccessWDUN reaching out to Gainesville Police for comment were directed to Georgia State Patrol for comment where they indicated they were not the initiating agency behind the incident.  Requests from AccessWDUN to Georgia State Patrol early Sunday night have not been returned as of this publication early Monday morning Donald Norcross (D-NJ) remains hospitalized and faces an extended recovery from a gallbladder problem that struck more than a week ago remains in intensive care at Cooper University Hospital The congressman has been diagnosed with a gallbladder infection that progressed to sepsis According to the World Health Organization sepsis occurs when a person's immune system has an extreme response to an infection "especially if not recognized early and treated promptly." Norcross "is responding well to treatment but faces an extended recovery that could require physical rehabilitation." 'Offensive:' Camden prosecutor blasts Murphy's commutation of Pfefferle Norcross fell ill while traveling and was initially hospitalized April 6 in Raleigh The congressman's offices in South Jersey and Washington "remain open and available to constituents," according to the statement issued Tuesday It said Norcross "is in regular contact with members of his staff and is monitoring circumstances in the Capitol and in the district He and his family have been touched by the outpouring of support and well-wishes." South Jersey congressman has been hospitalized for over a week Rep. Donald Norcross (D-Camden) has been in the hospital for over a week now after suffering  a medical emergency last weekend – and he might not be returning to Washington anytime in the near future Norcross’s office clarified what medical issue has been afflicting the congressman – a gallbladder infection that led to sepsis – and stated that he faces an “extended recovery” at Cooper University hospital in Camden he was diagnosed with a gallbladder infection known as cholangitis that had progressed to sepsis,” Eric Kupersmith said today in a statement shared by Norcross’s office “The Cooper medical team was able to remove the gallstone and is treating the infection and its complications.” “Congressman Norcross is responding well to treatment but faces an extended recovery that could require physical rehabilitation,” he continued Norcross was on a flight to New Jersey from Florida last weekend when he began to feel unwell, and the plane was diverted to North Carolina so that the 66-year-old congressman could be hospitalized. After a brief stay at UNC Rex Hospital, Norcross was transferred to Cooper where he has stayed in intensive care ever since While Norcross’s office has consistently stated that the congressman is on track to make a full recovery would be unwelcome news for Democrats in Washington who are just a couple seats short of a House majority and every Democratic absence will make Republicans’ math for passing the bill that much easier does not necessarily impede his office’s ability to do its regular work on legislative priorities and constituent services his offices in New Jersey’s First Congressional District and in Washington DC remain open and available to constituents,” his office said today “The Congressman is in regular contact with members of his staff and is monitoring circumstances in the Capitol and in the district He and his family have been touched by the outpouring of support and well-wishes.” Congressman suffered emergency medical event last weekend Rep. Donald Norcross (D-Camden)’s health “continues to improve,” but the congressman remains in intensive care following a medical event last weekend “Congressman Donald Norcross’ health continues to improve each day,” his office said “The medical team has recommended he stay in intensive care but have expressed confidence that his recovery is going well.” something that doesn’t come naturally to him,” they added Norcross was on a flight last weekend when he suffered a medical emergency “likely related to his gallbladder,” his office announced on Monday. The 66-year-old congressman was initially hospitalized in North Carolina, where his flight was diverted, but soon afterwards was transferred to Cooper University hospital in Camden While stuck in the hospital, Norcross has missed an eventful week in Washington, featuring a rollercoaster of news about President Donald Trump’s tariffs and a number of extremely close votes on a GOP’s budget resolution that eventually passed the House. (The House has since left town for a two-week recess.) At one point, a key procedural step in the budget process only passed the House by a 216-215 margin. Norcross said in a statement that he “would vote ‘no’ a thousand times” had he had been present for the vote, but his absence – combined with the deaths of two Democratic members in February and March – gave Republican leaders more breathing room to work with despite a handful of defectors within their own party. University of Montana AthleticsPhoto by: Ryan Brennecke/ University of MontanaNorcross joins Grizzly staff as Offensive Line Coach4/8/2025 10:05:00 AM | Football George Norcross III speaks at the groundbreaking ceremony for a $3 billion expansion of Cooper University Health Care in Camden on Jan The groundbreaking ceremony was a celebration of a $3 billion hospital expansion Camden’s successes and power broker George Norcross Norcross,Etal Order 2.26.25 by WHYY News Digital on Scribd Warshaw questioned the existence of a racketeering enterprise The judge dealt with each co-defendant individually he said “no logical reading of the indictment establishes any basis to believe that either man was the member of a criminal enterprise.” “Two sophisticated businessmen backed the right horse when it came to selecting an investment partner,” the judge said Warshaw said Tambussi “represented clients He was not a business partner of any co-defendant He did not own any piece of the Camden waterfront He did not and does not collect any tax credits.” He said Philip Norcross had personal and professional interest in the Camden waterfront “Philip Norcross had the right to craft proposed [Economic Opportunity Act] legislation and communicate with the Senate President and anyone else who would listen to him,” the judge wrote Phil Murphy’s proposed spending includes continued property tax relief and full funding for K–12 education Warshaw said she did not commit any act of official misconduct a mayor has the right to consult citizens’ groups which include powerful unpopular people in public policy discussions as critical as the redevelopment of a blighted city,” the judge said “A mayor has the right to decide which phone calls she returns.” Warshaw discussed the statute of limitations in his reasoning Prosecution for official misconduct charges must be brought within seven years Prosecutors argued that because of the ongoing racketeering conspiracy But Warshaw sided with defense attorneys in that the allegations occurred before 2019 “Even if all alleged facts are accepted as true all charges are time barred,” the judge said The state’s top law enforcement agent to those possessing and distributing child porn: If you harm our kids 2025When the 66-year-old is medically cleared to fly he will be transferred back home to Cooper University Health Care to complete his recovery.U.S is in the hospital after he suffered what his staff calls "an emergency medical event likely related to his gallbladder." The Democrat's office said the Congressman was admitted Sunday in North Carolina and is in stable condition When the 66-year-old is medically cleared to fly he will be transferred back home to Cooper University Health Care to complete his recovery Congressman’s office says he is ‘on his way to making a full recovery’ Rep. Donald Norcross (D-Camden), who suffered an emergency medical event yesterday that his office said was likely related to his gallbladder has been transferred to a New Jersey hospital from North Carolina in “stable” condition his office said in an updated statement today “Last night Congressman Donald Norcross was transferred to Cooper University Health Care in Camden City,” the congressman’s office said He is tired but glad to be back in South Jersey and he is on his way to making a full recovery.” who represents a South Jersey district based in Camden was on a flight over the weekend when he had a medical episode that forced the flight to be diverted to North Carolina where he was hospitalized at the UNC Rex Hospital His office said yesterday that he was in “good spirits” and stable condition and that he would be transferred to Cooper in South Jersey when he was medically cleared to fly “Donald wants to thank everyone who has sent well wishes and prayers to him his staff and family,” Norcross’s office said today “He also wants to thank again all the medical staff at both UNC Rex and Cooper University Hospital.” Norcross’s health issues mean that he will most likely miss any remaining legislative activity in Washington this week – including a potential vote on an important and controversial budget resolution on which Republicans are struggling to prevent defections within their own conference Democrats have been unanimously opposed to the GOP’s budget proposals in the past; given the House’s narrow margins any missing Democratic vote could make things easier for Republicans Congress is scheduled to depart for a two-week recess Congressman’s gallbladder could keep him away from Washington in coming days Donald Norcross (D-Camden) suffered a medical event “likely related to his gallbladder” and has been hospitalized adding that the congressman is in stable condition and in good spirits “Congressman Donald Norcross was traveling over the weekend and suffered an emergency medical event likely related to his gallbladder,” Norcross’s office said “He was admitted to UNC Rex Hospital in North Carolina on Sunday and is in stable condition where he is receiving exceptional medical treatment He is currently in good spirits and wants to thank the doctors and support staff at UNC Rex Hospital for all their work on his behalf during his stay.” The episode means that the 66-year-old Norcross is likely to miss the remaining week of legislative activity in Washington including an event tomorrow to reintroduce the Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act; after this week ends Congress will then go on a two-week recess If Norcross is indeed unable to return to the House this week, that means Democrats could be one further vote short on a crucial budget resolution that passed the Senate last week; House Democrats are already down two seats thanks to recent member deaths making the path easier for Republicans to pass the resolution on a party-line vote “When the Congressman is medically cleared to fly he will be transferred back home to Cooper University Health Care [in South Jersey] in the coming days to complete his recovery,” his office said Link IconCopy linkFacebook LogoShare on FacebookXShare on XEmailShare via EmailLink copied to clipboardGeorge Norcross on why he keeps investing as the economy slowsThe family of the South Jersey insurance and hospital executive has invested in Mid Penn Bancorp which is expanding into the Philadelphia area He’s still betting on Philadelphia-area business For the second time this month and South Jersey Democratic Party power broker has boosted his family’s share of Mid Penn Bancorp small-business and consumer lender that’s expanding in the Philadelphia area The conversation has been lightly edited for clarity and brevity And I saw we had a gap in this market — eastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey Mid Penn was basically Commerce without all the branches They just opened a branch in Camden; it’s maybe 1,000 square feet I don’t remember the last time I went into a bank branch My family holding company is based in Florida; we need remote services And their software program is as good as any bank I’ve seen — and I’ve done business with every big bank in America I may have first met [Mid Penn CEO] Rory Ritrievi back in our Commerce Bank days [when Ritrievi headed lending for Commerce’s Harrisburg franchise] Rory trained at Commerce Bank with Vernon Hill so I had great regard for his ability to grow this The problem with the big banks is they have no personality in dealing with Middle America People want to do business with someone they know [Commerce founder] Vernon Hill was right about that His only mistake was trying to build expensive branches for too long And Mid Penn is selling at a share price that’s below tangible book value and a price-to-earnings ratio of just 8.4 [compared to around 12 for the KBW Bank Index I don’t have an interest in an active role now He joined the bank when he got his master’s before I knew what he was doing He’s managed to move his way slightly higher My son did not have an interest in [working at] Conner Strong & Buckelew [Norcross’ insurance brokerage in South Jersey] We have interest rates that are modestly high My clients at Conner Strong & Buckelew are doing really well The construction and infrastructure industry is on a huge surge on Biden infrastructure funding government will be cutting health-care prescription benefits Too many Republican districts have too many people over 65 Look at the hospital industry in our region: Penn Cooper for seven straight years has had double-digit organic growth We’re pretty blessed at the medical institutions in our region are not going to tolerate cuts that are going to affect basic government services — health care in particular There will be a backlash in America if you cut that Now there is a lot of mismanagement in government But you have to be careful how you cut things If you are Elon Musk and you wake up wanting to cut 40,000 people But America won’t tolerate that for [government services] President Trump will get a revolt going forward The Democratic Party that I have known has lost its way I would equate this time to back at the end of the 1980s The party took a beating in the 1988 elections it had been favored to win It was left with leadership names that were far left and then this little known guy Bill Clinton came walking down the street and got elected president But the Democratic Party will have to represent working men and women of all colors 2025 at 11:20 am ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Rep speaks as members of Congress share recollections of the Jan Capitol on the one year anniversary of the attack Thursday Donald Norcross faces a lengthy recovery after suffering a life-threatening gallbladder infection Norcross (D-NJ) suffered the medical emergency while traveling down south earlier this month He was admitted to a North Carolina hospital on April 6 and was transferred to Cooper University Hospital in Camden the next day The South Jersey congressman remained in intensive care as of Monday who is also Cooper's chief physician executive At Cooper, Norcross was diagnosed with a gallbladder infection called cholangitis, which progressed to sepsis, Kupersmith said. Sepsis is life-threatening and requires urgent treatment "The Cooper medical team was able to remove the gallstone and is treating the infection and its complications," Kupersmith said in a statement "Congressman Norcross is responding well to treatment but faces an extended recovery that could require physical rehabilitation." Norcross, 66, is in regular contact with his staff and continues to monitor developments in the nation's capital, according to his office. His offices in Cherry Hill But it's uncertain when Norcross will be able to return to Washington His absence expands Republicans' narrow majority in the House of Representatives since members of Congress must be physically present in the U.S Capitol to vote on their constituents' behalf Norcross has represented New Jersey's 1st congressional district since 2014 The heavily Democratic district covers all of Camden County and portions of Burlington and Gloucester counties He was re-elected in November to a two-year term. Months before the infection, Norcross filed paperwork to run for re-election in 2026 Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. With a name inspired by the First Amendment 1A explores important issues such as policy and what connects us across the fissures that divide the country 1A's goal is to act as a national mirror-taking time to help America look at itself and to ask what it wants to be Black and Latino activists have raised concerns about Norcross and his supporters for years but said their concerns and complaints were ignored by city and state officials co-founder of the Camden Parent Union and chair of the Camden We Chose coalition said she and other activists have been warning people for years about George E George Norcross and his co-defendants have been accused of developing Camden’s waterfront properties by manipulating a state tax-credit program The operator of the South Camden metal recycling complex agreed to change operations and reduce footprint “There have been way too many fires at EMR,” one neighbor said “Their actions caused the … 4-story building to be fully engulfed in flames,” one first responder wrote in a report obtained by WHYY News The Gwinnett County Police Department has identified the victim that was killed in a Saturday morning shooting in Norcross.  The deceased female has been named as Kevnna Robinson The name of the man who was shot and injured has not been released.  of Acworth has been named a suspect in the case Whitaker has been charged with malice murder two counts of aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony GCPD officers located Whitaker in an Acworth hotel with the assistance of the Acworth Police and Cobb County SWAT unit.  He was arrested and remains in the Gwinnett County Jail.  A shooting in southern Gwinnett County left one person dead and another injured Saturday morning A release from the Gwinnett County Police Department said officers were called to an apartment complex on Ardsley Place near Norcross just after 10:00 a.m where they found a man who had a gunshot wound The man was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment Officers were then directed to another nearby apartment where they found a woman dead "This appears to be an isolated domestic event," Saturday's statement from Gwinnett Police said "Citizens do not need to be concerned about an on-going threat." Both names are being withheld as the case remains under investigation. Anyone with information on the case is asked to contact police by calling 770-513-5300, or by going online to Crime Stoppers of Greater Atlanta Link IconCopy linkFacebook LogoShare on FacebookXShare on XEmailShare via EmailLink copied to clipboardRep Donald Norcross is being treated for gallbladder infection and sepsis doctor saysNorcross is responding well to treatment but the Camden Democrat remains in intensive care and faces an extended recovery Donald Norcross said Tuesday that the Camden Democrat was being treated for a gallbladder infection that progressed to sepsis which is a potentially life-threatening condition though a doctor said he is responding well to treatment “Upon his arrival at Cooper, he was diagnosed with a gallbladder infection known as cholangitis that had progressed to sepsis,” Eric Kupersmith chief physician executive at Cooper University Health Care said in a statement released by Norcross’ staff but faces an extended recovery that could require physical rehabilitation He remains in intensive care,” Kupersmith said Norcross’ offices in Washington and in the 1st Congressional District which includes all of Camden County and parts of Burlington and Gloucester Counties His social media accounts were active Tuesday Jackie Robinson became the first Black American to play in Major League Baseball As players across the MLB wear Robinson’s 42 on their jerseys today we remember Jackie’s heroic courage and service to our country on and off the field He and his family have been touched by the outpouring of support and well-wishes,” his staff said The Mayo Clinic describes sepsis as a serious condition in which infection-fighting processes turn on the body Early treatment of sepsis improves chances for survival said in a statement released by Norcross’ staff.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IQL2XV32HBHDPE6MFSPCEIKPLE","additional_properties":{},"content":"“The Cooper medical team was able to remove the gallstone and is treating the infection and its complications He remains in intensive care,” Kupersmith said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MKSDRVOYKFEY5HAVD7Q6GQJGZA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Norcross’ offices in Washington and in the 1st Congressional District his staff said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3UDD7PUXBFFRRPOJBQJAVC3GAA","additional_properties":{},"content":"His social media accounts were active Tuesday.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DJEPNOR26BEMDBL2HBKSJPVAKM","content":"On this day in 1947 U.S. Rep. Donald Norcoss (D-NJ) hospitalized for more than two weeks because of a gall bladder problem Norcross remains at Cooper University Hospital, Camden but "is on his way to making a full recovery," said a statement from his office Tuesday Cooper has been hospitalized since April 6 when a gallbladder infection struck while he was in North Carolina He was moved to Cooper on April 7 and left the intensive care unit Friday Interception: Philadelphia Eagle's car stolen in South Jersey town The congressman's condition worsened when Norcross developed sepsis an extreme reaction to an infection that can be life-threatening "He has been successfully treated for his infection and has completed his course of antibiotic," the statement said An extended recovery is expected to take several weeks "remain open and available to constituents," according to a previous statement Donald Norcross (D-NJ) was in stable condition at a Camden hospital on Tuesday after a medical emergency "likely related to his gallbladder," according to the office of the South Jersey congressman was initially admitted to a North Carolina hospital on Sunday after falling ill during a trip The Camden resident was moved on Monday night to Cooper University Hospital Pitman protest: Crowd sends message to Trump administration "He is tired but glad to be back in South Jersey," the statement said and he is on his way to making a full recovery." The former union official has served in Congress since November 2014 The New Jersey Attorney General’s office tonight filed a 120-page appeal to Superior Court Judge Peter Warshaw’s ruling to dismiss an indictment against George E NJ Attorney General Matt Platkin vows to appeal the decision Briana Vannozzi, Anchor | February 26, 2025 | Law & Public Safety, Business George Norcross, the Democratic power broker who looms large over South Jersey politics, scored a major victory Wednesday when a state judge dismissed the corruption case that had been brought against him by the state attorney general’s office Mercer County Judge Peter Warshaw rejected allegations that Norcross and five co-defendants — his brother Philip Norcross and the businessmen John O’Donnell and Sidney Brown — had conspired to rig tax credit and real estate deals on the Camden waterfront to enrich themselves Norcross had been accused of threatening a developer in order to acquire property in the city New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin vowed on Wednesday to appeal the decision “Today is a reminder of how much work remains and how difficult it will be to clean up government in our state But along with the career law enforcement officers and prosecutors who have worked on this case for years Defense attorneys had argued that Norcross and his co-defendants had used hardball negotiating tactics Warshaw wrote in his decision that prosecutors’ allegations “do not constitute extortion or criminal coercion as a matter of law.” Warshaw also determined there was no racketeering enterprise specifically that Redd “did not commit any act of official misconduct,” and concluded that all of the charges are “facially time-barred.” slammed the investigation into his client as a political sham and said they were exploring a possible civil suit against the state attorney general’s office “The decision makes clear what we have said all along: this was a misguided prosecution that should never have been brought Attorney’s Offices rightly passed on this prosecution years ago,” Chiesa and Vartan said in a statement “Any fair and reasonable prosecutor would have done the same But the New Jersey Attorney General was neither fair nor reasonable in this case He took conduct from more than a decade ago and tried to criminalize it he tried to criminalize the routine practice of law That would have set an extraordinarily dangerous precedent.” Platkin brought the case against Norcross and his co-defendants in June Supreme Court has consistently cut back on federal public corruption law and at a time in which the federal government is refusing to tackle corruption it has never been more important for state officials to take corruption head on,” Platkin said in his statement Wednesday “But I have never promised that these cases would be easy because too many have come to view corruption as simply the way the powerful do business in New Jersey That corruption has consequences: it breeds a loss of trust in government and in our public servants at a time when we must work to protect and restore faith in our institutions.” the office of Congressman Donald Norcross issued an update from his doctor on the Congressman’s recent medical event Norcross was transferred to Cooper University Health Care on Monday April 7th following a medical incident that necessitated his hospitalization in Raleigh he was diagnosed with a gallbladder infection known as cholangitis that had progressed to sepsis,” said Dr Chief Physician Executive at Cooper University Health Care his offices in New Jersey's First Congressional District and in Washington DC remain open and available to constituents The Congressman is in regular contact with members of his staff and is monitoring circumstances in the Capitol and in the district He and his family have been touched by the outpouring of support and well-wishes His office will release further information as warranted I would like to receive emails from Insider NJ state AFL-CIO and the New Jersey Building and Construction Trades Council also back defense arguments that some of the language used by Norcross was nothing more than hallmarks of aggressive bargaining by “sophisticated businessmen.” The coalition filed an amicus brief on Dec 20 asking to participate during oral arguments the coalition wrote that allegations of extortion in the indictment “would penalize tough economic bargaining that is unavoidable in a free market economy and place a chilling effect on the ability of Amici’s members to advocate for equality While the state is not taking a position on the coalition’s filings prosecutors said their participation in oral arguments would be unnecessary due to the parties being fully briefed state prosecutors argue that defense attorneys are wrong when they claim that the charges were outside of the statute of limitations The first count is the racketeering conspiracy Prosecutors allege that while the conspiracy began in at least 2012 “They offer no authority under which this Court could dismiss as facially time-barred an indictment that explicitly alleges a RICO conspiracy that has continued into the present,” prosecutors wrote in their reply to defense briefs Prosecutors also stated that defense attorneys misunderstand what their clients are being accused of “Defendants are not alleged to have asked municipal entities to take these actions but rather to have directly and corruptly caused or plotted to cause those public entities to do so,” prosecutors wrote They further allege that the Norcross enterprise carried out George Norcross’ threat that Dranoff “‘would never do business in this town again’ and would suffer ‘enormous consequences.’” “It evidences Norcross’s ability to follow through on his threats and reinforces the meaning of those threats — up to and including invoking the Government’s unique and extraordinary authority to take private property for (properly) public purposes,” prosecutors wrote who had been charged with strong-arming political and business leaders to obtain the rights to properties and development on the Camden waterfront Judge Peter Warshaw decided "the indictment must be dismissed because its factual allegations do not constitute extortion or criminal coercion as a matter of law." The judge also concluded there was "no racketeering enterprise" as alleged New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin it has never been more important for state officials to take corruption head on But I have never promised that these cases would be easy because too many have come to view corruption as simply the way the powerful do business in New Jersey," Platkin said one of New Jersey's most powerful political figures had been charged with using his influence to gain access to state-issued tax credits and bullying rivals so he could obtain property rights for a Camden ALSO SEE: Top New Jersey political power broker indicted | Watch Inside Story Lawyers for Norcross and his co-defendants his attorney and former Camden Mayor Dana Redd had pleaded not guilty and sought the dismissal granted Wednesday arguing exercising political influence is no crime The indictment quoted Norcross allegedly threatening a developer I'll f--- you up like you've never been f----- up before I'll make sure you never do business in this town again,'" the indictment stated The indictment also quoted Norcross allegedly recounting the conversation with the developer to a friend "I had to get on the phone last night with [Developer-1] for an hour and a half 'no' I said '[Developer-1] this is unacceptable it will have enormous consequences.' He said 'Are you threatening me?' I said 'absolutely.'" The judge decided the threats did not amount to a crime "Defendants correctly argue that when considering private parties negotiating economic deals in a free market system threats are sometimes neither wrongful or unlawful," Warshaw wrote there may be nothing inherently wrong in using economic fear to obtain property what does it mean to be told he would be 'f---[ed] up like [he] [has] never been f----- up before' and that he will 'never do business in this town again?' Does it mean anything at all This sabre-rattling sounds much like 'this town ain't big enough for the two of us.'" 2025 at 9:46 am ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}U.S Representative Donald Norcross (D-NJ) speaking at a hearing of the House Armed Services Committee's Strategic Forces Subcommittee at the U.S (Michael Brochstein/SOPA Images/Shutterstock)Update Wednesday: This article now includes information from Rep NJ — After suffering a medical emergency while traveling Donald Norcross has been transferred to intensive care in South Jersey The congressman suffered a health emergency "likely related to his gallbladder" during a trip last weekend and was admitted Sunday to a hospital in North Carolina returned to South Jersey on Monday night and was transferred to Cooper University Hospital in Camden and he "is on his way to making a full recovery," his office said around 11 a.m "Donald wants to thank everyone who has sent well wishes and prayers to him his staff and family," his office said in a statement "He also wants to thank again all the medical staff at both UNC Rex (Hospital) and Cooper University Hospital." It's unclear when Norcross might be able to fully return to his congressional duties Members of Congress must be physically present at the U.S Norcross's office announced the Congressman would be in Washington on Tuesday for a press conference to re-introduce a bill his office shared that he was undergoing care for a medical emergency at a North Carolina hospital A spokesperson for Norcross told Patch that notice of the press conference was scheduled in advance before the congressman had the health emergency The bill — entitled the Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act — aims to guarantee the right for public-sector workers to organize and collectively bargain in states that don't have those protections The district covers all of Camden County and portions of Burlington and Gloucester counties Governor maintained close ties to Democratic powerbroker during indictment Phil Murphy will headline a fundraiser for American Representatives Majority a super PAC tied to Democratic powerbroker George E at an event in May honoring Norcross and others  The charges against Norcross were filed by a Murphy-appointed attorney general The $3,500-per-person fundraiser on May 12 will also honor Norcross’ brother Assembly Majority Leader Louis Greenwald (D-Cherry Hill) according to a memo from a top Norcross political advisor The entire South Jersey Democratic legislative delegation is on the invitation It was a roll of the dice that no other modern New Jersey attorney general had even considered Matthew J. Platkin stitched together an indictment that targeted not only George E. Norcross III, the state’s most influential Democratic Party kingpin but also his alleged racketeering “enterprise" that extended from the halls of the Statehouse to the Camden waterfront Platkin’s bombshell indictment named Norcross the 39-year-old Platkin was putting on trial the New Jersey political system that allowed Norcross and other party bosses to convert hardball power into profit for decades But on Wednesday, state Superior Court Judge Peter E. Warshaw Jr. tossed out the entire indictment. It was a slam-dunk rejection to Platkin’s sweeping case which Democratic Party activists and progressives had hoped would serve as the long-sought breakthrough Platkin is sorting through the rubble of a legal and political humiliation He intends to file an appeal “immediately.” it has never been more important for state officials to take corruption head on,’’ he said in a statement “But I have never promised that these cases would be easy because too many have come to view corruption as simply the way the powerful do business in New Jersey.” Now the unsettling question for the progressive activists who challenged the Democratic machine in Camden Norcross’s base of political and community operations and for the neighborhood residents who fought for redress and recognition in the shadow of office buildings rising along the Delaware River is this: Will New Jersey’s corroded system ever change lawmakers who owe their very careers to the boss-dominated system can't be counted on to dismantle it “This ruling makes a mockery of the justice system and exposes how there are two sets of rules in New Jersey: one that protects the wealthy and well-connected and another that punishes ordinary people,” said Antoinette Miles state director of the New Jersey Working Families Party and a longtime foe of the Norcross political operation the court is sending a dangerous message that using your power to intimidate others to enrich yourself and your friends is totally fine.”  The indictment accused Norcross and his cronies of using his political muscle in Trenton to consolidate and retool a state tax credit program The "enterprise" repackaged the programs to give Camden a clear advantage which Norcross allies used to turbocharge redevelopment along the banks of the Delaware River The indictment also accused the enterprise and its connected cronies of profiting from those tax credits illegally elbowing aside businesspeople and other officials deemed to be obstacles with threats of extortion and intimidation Warshaw argued that the linchpin to the state’s racketeering case — the “common denominator” examples of extortion that wove through the indictment's 13 counts — did not constitute extortion George and Philip Norcross ran into resistance from a developer over the height easement on a property in 2016 I’ll f--- you up like you’ve never been f---ed up before I’ll make sure you never do business in this town again," he told the developer who apparently “took this threat seriously He believed continued intractability would jeopardize his ability to do business in Camden and his financial interests generally,'' the ruling said But Warshaw saw it as legally permitted conduct that often arises during heated business negotiations this is a steel cage brawl between two heavyweights both accompanied at times by at least one lawyer," the judge wrote This saber-rattling sounds much like 'this town ain’t big enough for the two of us.’ Remember not every threat is criminal or even wrong.”  He added that the "defendants correctly argue that when considering private parties negotiating economic deals in a free market system threats are sometimes neither wrongful or unlawful there may be nothing inherently wrong in using economic fear to obtain property.” More Charlie Stile: Candidate Matt Platkin? NJ attorney general's profile rises and rises | Opinion The ruling comes nearly eight months after a furious Norcross arrived — sockless and uninvited — at the Trenton press conference where Platkin unveiled the charges and others who represented the codefendants lashed out at Platkin accusing him of cobbling together a “bogus” case and argued that the Office of Public Integrity & Accountability “All options are on the table," said Lee Vartan Norcross’s lawyer and a co-defendant in the case Some political analysis and party observers say the ruling now “reenergizes” Norcross whose statewide power has ebbed in recent election cycles “George is more powerful today than the day before he was indicted," asserted one veteran Democratic Party operative Although he remains active in state politics — he still had enough clout to get five former New Jersey governors to attend a groundbreaking last month at Cooper University Hospital even while still under indictment — he no longer wields the power of “peak Norcross” of a decade ago when he maintained a tight grip on the Legislature and collaborated with party bosses in both North and Central Jersey And his South Jersey base has become more Republican in recent years making it more difficult and costly to notch Democratic victories the setback comes as he has enjoyed his moment in the national spotlight as a prominent figure challenging President Donald Trump’s constitutionally dubious executive orders on birthright citizenship and federal funding freezes and more But Trump’s latest norm-busting du jour was far from Platkin’s priorities on Wednesday “Today is a reminder of how much work remains and how difficult it will be to clean up government in our state," the attorney general's statement said “But along with the career law enforcement officers and prosecutors who have worked on this case for years Charlie Stile is a veteran New Jersey political columnist For unlimited access to his unique insights into New Jersey’s political power structure and his powerful watchdog work please subscribe or activate your digital account today Email: stile@northjersey.com Norcross III looks on from the audience as his attorneys argue for the charges against him and his co-defendants be dismissed Defense attorney Yakkov Roth (at podium) making an oral presentation to dismiss the indictment against George E Superior Court Judge Peter Warshaw listening as prosecutors argue that the case against George E Warshaw also heard arguments from the Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers of New Jersey state AFL-CIO and the New Jersey Building and Construction Trades Council who feared that letting the indictment stand would chill the speech of lawyers who represented the defense lawyers association “What the indictment reveals to practicing attorneys everywhere in this state is that lawyers can take actions consistent with the court rules … not violate them Grillo countered in his response to Scrivo saying “It is not the routine practice of law that risks prosecution It’s when it’s done with a criminal intent.” echoing many of the arguments heard earlier in the day said if it wasn’t for lobbying and hard-nosed negotiations there wasn’t even a grocery store in the City of Camden,” Levy said through the conduct of these offenders and multiple other persons Written arguments were filed before the end of last year A coalition of labor groups and the New Jersey State Conference of the NAACP had filed an amicus brief supporting arguments from defense attorneys that George Norcross was engaged in “sophisticated” business negotiations Attorney General Matt Platkin announced a 13-count indictment last June against George Norcross and his co-defendants. They’ve all pleaded not guilty the following month Link IconCopy linkFacebook LogoShare on FacebookXShare on XEmailShare via EmailLink copied to clipboardNorcross group buys more bank shares Despite industry turbulence that has affected bank stocks An investors’ group headed by George Norcross and Cooper University Health Care chairman has bought more shares in Mid Penn Bancorp a sign of confidence in the regional economy even as U.S Unlike with its earlier, activist investment in the former Republic Bank of Philadelphia the Norcross group said it did not plan to try to change Mid Penn’s management team joined Mid Penn last year as an assistant vice president for private banking serving wealthy clients in the Philadelphia area has more than 40 branches in south-central and eastern Pennsylvania and central New Jersey In recent years it has focused on small-business banking and has expanded into the Philadelphia area partly recovering Wednesday following President Donald Trump’s suspension of most of his planned new tariffs Long-term interest rates have headed higher due to uncertainty over U.S though they can also boost banks’ profit margins if the economy continues growing business lending had slowed down in recent months regional president of TD Bank in the Philadelphia area “There’s been a general slowdown since the election which I think was counter to what people expected,” though small-business lending held up better than loans to larger companies “Everybody expected inflation and interest rates to drop immediately after the election “the high uncertainty driven by the tariffs … make it near-impossible for business planning,” warned Ed Mills Washington-based policy analyst for Raymond James & Associates an investment bank whose focus includes commercial banking stocks With the threat of higher materials costs from import taxes looming banks are likely to lend less and set aside more in reserves Raymond James bank analyst Michael Rose said Rick Norcross knows about long roads. He used to drive his old Rambler car every year between central Florida and northern Vermont as his musical career took off in the 1960s and ‘70s. Later, Rick and the All Star Ramblers Western Swing Band would pile into a full-length green bus dubbed “The Mighty Pickle” to take their seven-piece act out for shows and the figurative one that is his musical life Norcross has been making a living at playing music for 60 years starting soon after a neighbor in East Hardwick taught him a few guitar parts as a teenager Norcross has played his songs in bars and at festivals and fairs won multiple awards and had his tunes played by radio stations and heard by fans worldwide the day he officially retires from his musical career He’ll mark the occasion by releasing the third of a trilogy of career-capping albums a selection of songs hand-picked by Norcross himself dubbed “The 2nd Bestest Songs I Ever Wrote.” I am very proud of 60 years of playing music better than I ever expected,” Norcross said “I’m pretty much at the end of the trail here Norcross spoke March 14 with the Burlington Free Press at “Rambler Ranch,” his memorabilia-filled home overlooking the railroad tracks near Burlington’s waterfront including his now-gray horseshoe-shaped moustache and an embroidered black shirt Norcross looked back at the road traveled and the quieter trip ahead Norcross’ musical journey included him taking a ship from Montreal to London to play folk music in England for nine months in 1965 He hired an agent there whose other American client was Paul Simon Norcross served as host at Simon’s sendoff back to the U.S as his career with Simon & Garfunkel skyrocketed Norcross wanted to skip out on Northeast Kingdom winters and went south for college studying journalism at the University of South Florida He pursued music journalism at the Tampa Times from 1969-74 Norcross covered concerts by legends ranging from the Rolling Stones to Led Zeppelin and Elvis Presley. His first night on the job had him at a concert by B.B. King and Janis Joplin, the night Joplin was famously arrested in Tampa His photos from the show hit publications around the country ‘That’s not so hard,’” according to Norcross Norcross’ own musical career began to take shape he shuttled like a snowbird in his Rambler between Vermont and the Ybor City district of Tampa He would play gigs up north and in Florida where he ran coffeehouses featuring touring musicians performed at the state fair for 11 straight years and worked to line up sponsorships for fair events Norcross would later use those skills in acquiring corporate sponsorship to fund his own gigs and albums He disdained gigs in bars with tip jars and wanted so badly to stay out of that environment that he began creating festivals to provide an outlet for his music Using the sponsorship knowledge he acquired from the Florida State Fair Norcross began presenting his own events including the Green Mountain Chew Chew Music & Food Festival in Burlington That food-and-music event began in 1984 at City Hall Park; after it outgrew the space a reclaimed industrial lot that in the late ‘80s didn’t have the grass and trees now blanketing that area along Lake Champlain The Chew Chew Festival grew so large – it brought in $3.7 million for restaurants and paid out more than $200,000 to Vermont musical acts in the 24 years he ran it according to Norcross – that he moved full-time to Rambler Ranch in 1989 to oversee the festival That gave his Vermont-based Western swing band Rick and the All Star Ramblers all the air it needed to breathe and flourish Rick & the Ramblers Western Swing Band traveled near and far to spread his and the band’s renown “When you play with the same band for over 20 years you grow very who was married for five years early in his adult life but not since Dave Rowell and Ian Koeller – recorded 13 albums since 2008 at Lane Gibson Recording and Mastering in Charlotte The 26 songs on the band’s two “Bestest Songs I Ever Wrote” albums capture the gist of Rick & the Ramblers succinctly Norcross’ vocal timbre sometimes evokes that of Willie Nelson His unabashedly upbeat music often provides a ride for Vermont-boosting lyrics on songs seeping with sentimentality such as “Welcome to Our Vermont,” “God Bless The Mighty Pickle” and “I Rode the Ti.” The latter tune tells of the one-time Lake Champlain ferry now ensconced on the grounds of the Shelburne Museum Songs such as “Moo Cow Milk” (“from the Holsteins of Vermont”), which decries non-dairy products as “nut juice,” and “You Can’t Make It Up,” which looks back at Norcross’ days in Hardwick, helped the band gain international attention and awards from organizations including the Academy of Western Artists It’s “Riding My Guitar,” the final track on Norcross’ final album “The 2nd Bestest Songs I Ever Wrote,” that provides his swan-song send-off: “Who’d have ever thought that it would go this long or far/I’ve had such a good time/Riding my guitar.” Rick and the All Star Ramblers played their final show Oct at the Hotel Vermont in Burlington to celebrate the release of the album “God Bless The Mighty Pickle.” That was the first in a series of three career-ending albums culminating with last year’s “The Bestest Songs I Ever Wrote” and this month’s “The 2nd Bestest Songs I Ever Wrote.” but with a sculptural gherkin affixed to its interior in homage to its years as The Mighty Pickle “When I look back it was apropos” that it was his last concert He intends to give some of the memorabilia gathered from his six-decade career to the Vermont Historical Society He’ll keep working with radio programs promoting Western swing music to feature his tunes “I want to make sure these songs have a life after me,” Norcross said “Obviously it’s part ego but I’m proud of the songs Contact Brent Hallenbeck at bhallenbeck@freepressmedia.com A Superior Court Judge has dismissed a racketeering indictment against Democratic powerbrokers George E Superior Court Judge Peter Warshaw also dismissed the charges in the 112-page indictment against other defendants Warshaw found that the indictment’s “factual allegations do not constitute extortion or criminal coercion as a matter of law” and found “there was no racketeering enterprise.”  He determined that Redd “did not commit any act of official misconduct,” And that all charges were outside the statute of limitation “It follows that if the facts alleged do not the indictment is manifestly deficient and facially and palpably defective,” Warshaw wrote in his decision   “The indictment must be dismissed because its factual allegations do not constitute extortion or criminal coercion as a matter of law.” Attorney General Matt Platkin quickly announced that he would appeal Warshaw’s decision “We disagree strongly with the trial court’s decision and we are appealing immediately,” he said it has never been more important for state officials to take corruption head on.” Platkin said he “never promised that these cases would be easy because too many have come to view corruption as simply the way the powerful do business in New Jersey.” “That corruption has consequences: it breeds a loss of trust in government and in our public servants at a time when we must work to protect and restore faith in our institutions,” he said “Today is a reminder of how much work remains Warshaw disagreed with the state’s allegation that Norcross and others were “really just attacking the persuasiveness of the indictment’s narrative by challenging how alleged conduct should be interpreted.” that is simply not what defendants have done,” Warshaw stated Warshaw said the validity of the thirteen-count indictment was dependent on the existence of unlawful threats “The State argues that the grand jury’s determination that these unlawful threats occurred is presumptively valid and entitled to deference Defendants argue that the grand jury was wrong on the law and that the court has the obligation and duty to dismiss the indictment now,” Warshaw said “The court agrees with the defense assertion.” the state “is not wrong when it advances the idea of the truly level playing field where critical decisions are made on the basis of developer qualifications and public benefit as opposed to George Norcross’s selfish interests.” “The court is not called upon to consider whether the redevelopment could have proceeded in a better “The court is asked to evaluate whether this ‘threat’ was criminal.” Norcross and others filed a motion to dismiss the indictment in September saying the case against them was “legally flawed.” His attorneys maintained no crime was ever committed “To try to make this seem less like the criminalization of everyday business dealings the State alleges that George Norcross exercised substantial political influence in Camden and beyond Merely by virtue of his ‘reputation’ in this regard Norcross instilled ‘fear’ that caused others to hand over property,” the defendants said in their court filing “But the notion that the politically powerful are walking extortion machines is untenable and perverse a ‘mob boss’ and a ‘political boss’ are not the same thing The Norcross legal team instead maintains that “power derived from a history and practice of committing crimes is very different from power derived from political influence within a lawful democracy They argued that because Norcross holds no public office – something prosecutors acknowledge – and that he could only succeed by petitioning those in office  They say that activity is “immune under the federal and state constitutions — whether successful or not and whether conducted for benevolent purposes or selfish ones.” hammered the attorney general’s office for “a misguided prosecution that should never have been brought.” “Vanity prosecutions have no place in our justice system,” Chiesa and Vartan said “This prosecution could have cost Bill Tambussi his good reputation the Court pushed back and dismissed this wrong-headed prosecution.” Attorneys debated the merits of the powerbroker’s racketeering indictment over an eight-hour hearing Attorneys argued for nearly eight hours on Wednesday over whether to dismiss a series of racketeering and extortion charges against Democratic powerbroker George Norcross and several of his allies but the judge left the courtroom without indicating when or how he might rule Attorneys for the defendants argued Wednesday the blockbuster June indictment fails on two main counts: First even if every accusation listed in the indictment was true the behavior of Norcross and his co-defendants did not actually amount to a crime the attorneys argued the alleged conspiracy which prosecutors say started in the mid-2010s fell outside the statute of limitations and should no longer be subject to prosecution led Wednesday by Assistant Attorney General Michael Grillo argued Norcross and his allies teamed up to secure lucrative property and tax credits and that the group used threats of economic and reputational harm to strong-arm their victims Grillo said the behavior went beyond typical business negotiations He said that because some benefits and transactions stemming from the alleged conspiracy continue to this day the charges fall well within the statute of limitations Attorney General Matt Platkin sent shockwaves through the state in June when his office charged Norcross The indictment accuses the group of extorting developer Carl Dranoff to obtain valuable Camden waterfront property at a cheap price while also pushing legislation to create extensive tax breaks Also charged in the indictment were Norcross’ brother who runs the politically potent Parker McCay law firm; Dana Redd a former state senator and Camden mayor; and Norcross’ longtime attorney the president of a real estate developer with ties to Norcross The six defendants each possessed their own attorneys—about two dozen attorneys were in attendance All six defendants watched from the gallery throughout the day Prosecutors called the defense’s motion to dismiss the charges “highly irregular.” Grillo said the motion should come at a later stage after further fact-finding and evidence collection The defense argued that further evidence would not change the fact that they believe no actual crime was detailed in the indictment Each defense attorney took turns throughout the day to argue that the indictment did not actually accuse their client of a crime under the law said minor threats don’t necessarily violate the law and instead constitute typical said it would be legal for him to threaten to withhold donations from his synagogue should he want the institution to make a certain leadership decision He said a similar idea exists in Norcross’ case that the powerbroker’s alleged threat that ​​Dranoff could be shut out of future Camden business deals is legal “Under proper interpretation of the extortion statutes and a few principles of constitutional law, the episodes that the indictment set forth are not violations, and that’s assuming the facts as alleged are true,” said Roth, the Fay Diploma-winning Harvard Law graduate who defended former Virginia Gov saying Norcross threatened Dranoff’s other Camden business prospects—Grillo said Norcross didn’t simply play hardball in one transaction but instead threatened financial ruin Dranoff also has a right to conduct his business free of threats to those unrelated projects,” Grillo said “And he has a right to rely on a level playing field whenever he petitions the government for its assistance.” Roth argued Norcross’ Camden comment was more a warning about societal anger than a threat of guaranteed retribution The attorney said if the deal didn’t go through Dranoff could be seen as not being helpful in the revitalization of Camden which would hurt his standing in the community Because this early motion simply challenged the legality of the indictment both sides operated under the assumption that the indictment was accurate on Wednesday the defense will have the chance to challenge the facts of the case at a later stage Tambussi’s attorney said he was not accused of anything illegal in the indictment who is representing the longtime Norcross attorney said Tambussi was only listed in the indictment for doing “regular and routine” legal work Grillo said the group considered trying to condemn Dranoff’s property so the city could seize it and that Tambussi’s “agreement to participate” in the conspiracy warranted the charge (the condemnation plan never came to fruition) Grillo also accused Tambussi of using legal action to conceal the alleged conspiracy “You cited one instance of actual legal work and one contemplated legal action that didn’t go,” Warshaw said to the prosecutor “It’s the agreement to participate that’s the sufficient act to charge him,” Grillo told the judge has received attention from outside groups Robert Scrivo represented the Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers of New Jersey in court Wednesday to argue the charges against Tambussi could chill the “zealous advocacy” that clients deserve from their attorneys Robert Levy also intervened in favor of the defense on behalf of the New Jersey NAACP State Conference and the New Jersey Building and Construction Trades Council who represents former Camden Mayor Dana Redd went through the indictment with the judge and listed every mention of his client—after going through each paragraph he argued that not a single one actually constituted official misconduct or any other of the crimes Redd was charged with “This is a prosecution in search of a crime,” Klingeman said Grillo acknowledged he sounded at times like a broken record—he said Redd violated the law with her alleged agreement to join Norcross’ criminal enterprise “Those arguments seem to all be predicated on isolating specific pieces of conduct taking them out of the totality of circumstances,” Grillo said “… It was an agreement to allow a criminal enterprise the use of the power of the mayor’s office for the criminal objectives of that enterprise and for specific criminal purposes.” Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker