The CEO of the developer for the Hartzog Road Attainable Housing Project has taken a leave of absence after being indicted in a New Jersey racketeering scheme. New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin filed criminal charges Monday against six defendants, including John O’Donnell, CEO of the Michaels Organization, for their roles in developing the waterfront of Camden, New Jersey.

According Attorney General Matthew Platkin office, John O’Donnell, is not only CEO of the Michaels Organization but also a partner in groups that own buildings in Camden, which at the center of the racketeering allegations. The indictment alleges that from as early as 2012 through the present, the Enterprise used its power and influence over government officials to craft legislation tailored to serve the interests of the enterprise, and with the cooperation of then-Camden Mayor Dana Redd and other officials, used parts of the city’s government to aid the enterprise in acquiring property and property rights for itself and others through coercion, extortion, and other criminal acts.

One of the buildings involved in the allegations, Triad1828 in Camden, NJ, is the location of The Michaels Organization headquarters.

“On full display in this indictment is how a group of unelected, private businessmen used their power and influence to get government to aid their criminal enterprise and further its interests,” New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin said upon announcing the charges. “The alleged conduct of the Norcross enterprise has caused great harm to individuals, businesses, non-profits, the people of the State of New Jersey, and especially the City of Camden and its residents.”

While the 111-page indictment does not name The Michaels Organization as a company, fallout from the allegations have begun. A Colorado Housing Authority has already severed ties with the organization.

Mark Morgan, the Chief Operating Officer of Michaels, has assumed the role of CEO. He stated, “Our organization’s focus remains, as always, on our mission of crafting housing solutions that jumpstart education, civic engagement, and neighborhood prosperity, and on creating communities that lift lives.”

Despite the controversy, the Hartzog Road Attainable Housing Project continues to progress. In March, the BCC approved transmittal to adjust the land use map for the project. Permits submitted to Orange County show ongoing activity regarding the land use plan and rezoning request, which will also require future approvals by the BCC