Altman calls for criminal investigation into Norcross

NJ Working Families director Sue Altman called for a criminal investigation into South Jersey powerbroker George Norcross following the release of a second report by a task force investigating tax incentives meted out by the Economic Development Authority.

“It’s time for law enforcement to step in and provide justice for New Jersey taxpayers,” Altman said. “If politicians could be charged for taking cash out of coffee cups, then political insiders who robbed taxpayers of hundreds of millions of dollars need to explain their actions to a jury.”

In its report, the task force revealed as series of emails sent by members of Norcross-connected firms, including Cooper Health Systems and Conner Strong & Buckelew, that undercut testimony the powerbroker gave before the Senate Select Committee on Economic Growth Strategies.

Norcross told the committee Cooper and the other firms never told the EDA they were considering moving their companies out of New Jersey.

Emails obtained by the committee showed the firms intended to move to Camden from the beginning.

“George Norcross, his brothers and his companies conspired to cheat taxpayers of hundreds of millions of dollars – and they did it with the full cooperation of the Christie administration and legislative leaders,” Altman said. “This is Trenton at its worst. Norcross lied to the Legislature, and no one dared ask him hard questions or hold him accountable.”