All charges against John O’Donnell of The Michaels Organization were dismissed by a superior court judge in New Jersey.
O’Donnell and several other men, including Democratic power broker George Norcross, were indicted on racketeering charges last year when prosecutors accused them of unlawfully obtaining property along Camden’s waterfront and influencing government officials.
Mercer County Superior Court Judge Peter Warshaw concluded the allegations did not constitute extortion or criminal coercion. Warshaw added there is no evidence that O’Donnell and another co-defendant were part of any “enterprise.”
Prosecutors can appeal the decision.
O’Donnell, along with The Michaels Organization, welcomed the court’s ruling.
"I have dedicated my career to leading one of the most respected real estate development organizations in New Jersey and the nation, and I am grateful that the court has affirmed what we have known from day one—that this case was entirely without merit and should never have been brought,” O’Donnell said in a statement.
He stepped away from his role as CEO of The Michaels Organization last June.
The Camden-based company is a leading affordable housing developer and has been No. 1 on Affordable Housing Finance’s list of top owners with nearly 51,000 units. It is also active in market-rate, student, and military housing.
"We are delighted with this outcome, and look forward to John reengaging with our organization," said Mark Morgan, Michaels' current CEO.
Morgan added that Michaels will continue its mission of creating transformative housing solutions.
O’Donnell thanked his colleagues at Michaels for their support.
“Michaels has been deeply invested in Camden for decades, and I take immense pride in the role we have played in the city's growth and transformation,” he said. “My commitment to Camden's future remains steadfast, and we look forward to continuing our mission of creating high-quality, sustainable communities that enrich the lives of residents, here and across the country."
