Prosecutors Drop Racketeering Case Against New Jersey Democratic Power Broker

New acting attorney general says resources better spent on other matters after appellate court upholds dismissal.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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New Jersey's acting attorney general announced Tuesday that the state will not appeal the dismissal of racketeering charges against Democratic power broker George E. Norcross III and others. The charges were initially brought by the previous attorney general but were later dismissed by a state judge, a decision that was upheld by an appellate court.

Why it matters

Norcross is considered one of the most influential unelected Democrats in New Jersey, with deep political connections. The dropped charges represent a setback for efforts to prosecute public corruption in the state, though the new attorney general says the office remains committed to such cases.

The details

The racketeering indictment, obtained by the previous attorney general, accused Norcross and five others of running 'an enterprise' since 2012 to use their political influence to craft legislation to serve their own interests. However, a state judge found the prosecution's allegations did not amount to criminal coercion or extortion and were time-barred.

  • In June 2024, the previous attorney general announced the indictment against Norcross and five others.
  • In early 2026, a three-judge appellate panel upheld the state judge's decision to dismiss the criminal charges.
  • On February 18, 2026, the new acting attorney general announced the state will not appeal the dismissal.

The players

George E. Norcross III

A Democratic power broker in New Jersey who was the target of the racketeering charges. He has been widely viewed as one of the most influential unelected Democrats in the state.

Jennifer Davenport

The new acting attorney general of New Jersey who decided not to appeal the dismissal of the racketeering charges.

Matt Platkin

The previous attorney general of New Jersey who obtained the racketeering indictment against Norcross and others.

Mikie Sherrill

The new governor of New Jersey who appointed the acting attorney general.

Phil Murphy

The previous governor of New Jersey under whom the racketeering charges were initially brought.

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What they’re saying

“In light of the Appellate Division's decision, we have concluded that our prosecutorial resources would be best spent on other matters.”

— Jennifer Davenport, New Jersey Acting Attorney General (ksgf.com)

“Our office remains committed to prioritizing public corruption prosecutions in this time of deepening mistrust in government.”

— Jennifer Davenport, New Jersey Acting Attorney General (ksgf.com)

What’s next

The new administration in New Jersey will likely focus its efforts on other public corruption cases, as the acting attorney general has indicated the state will not pursue an appeal of the dismissal of charges against Norcross and his co-defendants.

The takeaway

The dropped racketeering case against one of New Jersey's most powerful Democratic insiders represents a setback in the state's efforts to combat public corruption, though the new attorney general says the office remains committed to such prosecutions amid growing public distrust in government.