New Jersey Democratic power broker George E. Norcross III and co-defendants plead not guilty to state racketeering charges involving tax incentive legislation misuse.

New Jersey Democratic power broker George E. Norcross III and four co-defendants have pleaded not guilty to state racketeering charges, which include allegations of threats to property owners and orchestration of tax incentive legislation for personal benefit. The charges, unsealed last month, accuse Norcross and his allies of creating a "criminal enterprise" that took advantage of a state tax incentive program they helped design. All six defendants have pleaded not guilty.