Norcross subpoenas documents in Murphy lawsuit

A law firm representing South Jersey Democratic leader George Norcross served document subpoenas on several top advisors to Gov. Phil Murphy, and is seeking document production for Murphy and others, attorney William Tambussi confirmed today.

Murphy, chief counsel Matt Platkin, political advisors Brendan Gill and Steve DeMicco, senior advisor Bill Castner, task force chairman Ron Chen and task force counsel Jim Walden and Pablo Quiñones were served on Friday.

An additional subpoena is in the process of being served on Peter Cammarano, Murphy’s former chief of staff.

The subpoenas, obtained by the New Jersey Globe, call for the production of all documents and communications listed in litigation hold letters sent to Murphy and members of the task force. At their homes.  The Star-Ledger first reported the existence of those letters.

Tambussi confirmed that governmental officials, including Chen, were served at the Office of the Governor.  A source confirmed that one government official was served at his home.

Gill and DeMicco, who hold no government position, were served as their homes. Cammarano will also be served at his home.

Norcross filed a lawsuit against Murphy and the task force investigating tax incentives awarded by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority earlier this month alleging that he has been “falsely and publicly accused of misconduct regarding the tax incentives that lawfully attend such investment and have been denied a fair opportunity to refute those defamatory accusations.”

Connor Strong & Buckalew, the insurance firm Norcross heads, the Michaels Organization, Cooper University Health Care, and Parker McCay are also plaintiffs in the lawsuit.  Tambussi’s firm, Brown & Connery, represents Norcross, Connor Strong and the Michaels Organization.

The subpoena sets a deadline of July 15 to produce all documents.

It is not immediately clear if any of the individuals served with seek to quash the subpoenas.

Brendan W Gill Subpoena