Norcross preparing to file $100 million lawsuit against N.J. Attorney General for malicious prosecution

Democratic powerbroker George E. Norcross is widely expected to file a civil lawsuit against state officials for malicious prosecution after a state appellate court upheld the dismissal of his indictment.

An attorney for Norcross, Michael Critchley, filed a Tort Claim Notice in May, three months after Superior Court Judge Peter Warshaw dismissed the indictment, notifying the state that it could face legal action in state or federal court.

Norcross estimated his damages at $100 million.

He claims that the Attorney General’s office conspired to deprive Norcross of his civil rights by securing an indictment when they knew the allegations were not criminal and that the statute of limitations had passed.

Now, vindicated by a trial court judge and a three-judge appellate panel, Norcross is seeking to restore damage he says the indictment caused to his reputation.

Additionally, attorneys for Norcross have sent litigation hold letters to over two dozen people, including former Attorney General Matt Platkin and Nancy Solomon, a former public radio reporter.

Norcross’s claim also includes a task force that examined tax credits issued by the Economic Development Authority.

“Despite spending approximately $11 million dollars of taxpayer funds primarily investigating Mr. Norcross and businesses and individuals affiliated with Mr. Norcross, the task force did not recover any money from Mr. Norcross or his affiliated businesses,” Critchley said in his tort claim notice.

Malicious prosecution complaints are difficult to prove, but Norcross has the resources to pursue them anyway.  The Attorney General’s office says it will fight Norcross if he files a lawsuit.

“There is a reason why the law forecloses lawsuits like these: attacks on career prosecutors and public officials have a chilling effect and undermine the fair administration of justice. Our prosecutors and law enforcement officials are deeply honorable public servants who try every day to pursue justice,” said a spokesperson for the Attorney General’s office.  “Consistent with how our department has always handled such suits, we will defend our prosecutors and public officials from legal actions targeting them.”