Democrat Fundraiser Charged with Organized Extortion

George Norcross, a senior Democrat fundraiser, was charged in New Jersey for political corruption. The indictment asserts that Norcross was essentially acting like a Mafia Don, extorting businesses to fund Democratic politics in New Jersey.

Norcross’s brother is a US House Member, and the two are connected to top Democrat officials locally and nationally, such as Nancy Pelosi. Other members of his ring included another lobbyist brother and former minor Democrat officials. Politico says:

The charges against George Norcross are groundbreaking. He has long been the subject of scrutiny by law enforcement and a political task force, but has never been charged. The indictment, brought by Attorney General Matt Platkin, portrays years of extortion and threats.

Norcross “led a criminal enterprise whose members and associates agreed the enterprise would extort others through threats and fear of economic and reputational harm and commit other criminal offenses to achieve the enterprise’s goals,” the indictment says.

This is one of many political corruption cases coming from New Jersey. Senator Robert Menendez is still under indictment for being bought and paid for by foreign powers. Chris Christie was also wrapped up in his Bridge Gate scandal in 2014. The NY Times continues:

The charges reinforce New Jersey’s already tarnished reputation for political corruption. The state’s senior senator, Robert Menendez, is his sixth week of trial, charged by federal prosecutors with accepting cash, gold bars and a Mercedes-Benz in exchange for his willingness to use his political clout to dole out favors for allies.

Mr. Norcross, an insurance executive who served on the Democratic National Committee, was for decades the most powerful unelected political official in New Jersey. He was instrumental in selecting governors, steering legislation and influencing state policy.

Political corruption is gravely threatening American Democracy, as it subverts the will of the people and distorts it for top officials. Rather than targeting conservative activists, federal law enforcement ought to focus on this threat to internal stability.

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