Also tonight, a judge has dismissed racketeering charges against South Jersey powerbroker George Norcross, along with the indictments of all of the people who had been charged with him.

The decision by Mercer County Judge Peter Warshaw to dismiss the case is considered a major blow to Attorney General Matt Platkin, who brought the case in June, charging Norcross and five co-defendants with a conspiracy to rig tax credit and real estate deals on the Camden waterfront to enrich themselves, alleging Norcross threatened a Camden developer in order to obtain valuable riverfront property.

But defense attorneys argued those tactics were typical of hardball negotiations.

In the court order today.

Judge Warshaw listed for reasons for his decision, saying the allegations didn't, quote, constitute extortion or criminal coercion as a matter of law.

There is no racketeering enterprise.

Former Camden Mayor Dana Redd didn't commit any act of official misconduct, and all charges are facially time barred.

Attorney General Matt Plotkin immediately said today he disagrees with the court's decision and will appeal.