Throughout 2025, I covered South Jersey Democratic power broker George E. Norcross III as he and his associates faced racketeering charges for allegedly concocting a scheme to usurp properties along the Camden, New Jersey waterfront and secure millions of dollars in tax incentives. The charges were filed in July 2024 and subsequently dismissed in Feb. 2025. That dismissal was upheld Jan. 2026.
These series of stories that follow the indictment includes the dismissal of the indictment, the appeal from prosecutors and other attempts by the government to hold Norcross and his businesses accountable. This series also includes coverage of Norcross’ influence in political circles.
This series won 1st Place in the 2026 Public Media Journalists Association – PMJA Awards in the Continuing Coverage Category.
Jan. 21, 2025 –
Camden activists call George Norcross indictment vindication: ‘We’ve been warning everyone for years’
https://whyy.org/articles/george-norcross-indictment-camden-activists/
Jan. 21, 2025 –
Attorneys for George Norcross to argue charges against him should be dismissed
https://whyy.org/articles/george-norcross-charges-attorneys-want-dismissed/
Jan. 22, 2025 –
George Norcross’ attorneys argue in court their ‘well-connected’ client turned Camden around as they seek dismissal
https://whyy.org/articles/george-norcross-court-hearing-jan-22-dismissal/
Jan. 28, 2025 –
Officials celebrate Cooper expansion groundbreaking, Camden and Norcross
https://whyy.org/articles/cooper-university-hospital-expansion-camden-norcross/
Feb. 26, 2025 –
Attorneys for South Jersey power broker George Norcross celebrate dismissal of charges
https://whyy.org/articles/george-norcross-indictment-dismissed-south-jersey/
Apr. 22, 2025 –
New Jersey prosecutors appeal George Norcross dismissal
https://whyy.org/articles/george-norcross-case-new-jersey-prosecutors-appeal-dismissal/
Aug. 20, 2025 –
The New Jersey NAACP is defending George Norcross and his allies in the racketeering case. Camden activists are concerned
https://whyy.org/articles/george-norcross-naacp-new-jersey-racketeering-camden/
Sept. 10, 2025 –
New Jersey State Comptroller says George Norcross’ insurance firm violated public contracting laws
https://whyy.org/articles/norcross-new-jersey-comptroller-insurance-contracting-violation/
P. Kenneth Burns 