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Philadelphia developer Carl Dranoff has filed a civil racketeering lawsuit against New Jersey power broker George E. Norcross III and his brother, Parker McCay CEO Philip A. Norcross, accusing them of extortion and intimidation that cost Dranoff millions in damages. The lawsuit, filed Wednesday in New Jersey state court, alleges the Norcross brothers manipulated Camden city officials to sabotage Dranoff's property development rights in Camden, New Jersey.

Parker McCay Civil Racketeering Suit : Allegations of Intimidation and Interference

Dranoff, along with his companies Victor Urban Renewal Group LLC and Dranoff Properties Inc., claims the Norcross brothers forced local officials to derail a $71 million deal for six properties in Camden. The developer also alleges they pressured him into extinguishing his rights to a view easement and residential development on prime waterfront properties. According to the suit, these actions not only harmed Dranoff's business but also hurt Camden's economic prospects.

"The defendants' actions have not merely wreaked havoc for plaintiffs, but they have also severely damaged the city of Camden," Dranoff stated in the lawsuit. He added that the Norcross brothers’ alleged self-dealing and corruption contributed to Camden's poor reputation, which he dubbed the "Camden factor," deterring other businesses from investing in the area.

Racketeering and Conspiracy Claims

Dranoff’s lawsuit brings multiple claims, including tortious interference, aiding and abetting tortious interference, civil conspiracy, and civil racketeering. He is seeking damages, along with interest, costs, and attorney fees.

The allegations in Dranoff’s suit are linked to criminal charges filed against the Norcross brothers, Camden's former mayor Dana L. Redd, and several others in June, stemming from similar accusations of corruption and racketeering. All defendants in the criminal case, including George and Philip Norcross, have denied the charges.

Parker McCay Civil Racketeering Suit : History of Legal Battles

This is not the first time Dranoff has taken legal action over his Camden property interests. In 2018, he sued the city and its officials over delays related to the transfer of tax credits for his properties. Although he eventually settled with Camden in September 2023, Dranoff maintains that he was “swindled and extorted” during the process, as detailed in the current complaint.

While representatives for both the plaintiffs and defendants have yet to comment on the new civil suit, the lawsuit further intensifies the legal drama surrounding the Norcross brothers and their alleged influence in Camden.

Legal Representation

Dranoff is represented by Joseph Marano and Ilan Rosenberg of Freiwald Law PC, and E. Danya Perry, Joshua Stanton, and Joshua Kolb of Perry Law. Counsel information for the Norcross brothers was not immediately available.