Atlantic County Prosecutor Faces Backlash Over Bizarre Lawsuit

Prosecutor Will Reynolds sued Atlantic County and Executive Dennis Levinson, drawing criticism from officials and the public.

Feb. 9, 2026 at 11:07am

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The Atlantic County, New Jersey Prosecutor, Will Reynolds, has filed a lawsuit against Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson and the county government. The lawsuit is being criticized as unwise and bizarre, with many seeing it as a waste of taxpayer money as both sides will be paid for by the county. Reynolds has made a number of controversial decisions in recent years, including cases involving the Atlantic City mayor, school officials, and a county commissioner.

Why it matters

The prosecutor's office plays a crucial role in the community, and the public expects responsible leadership and decision-making. Reynolds' actions have raised concerns about his judgment and the potential misuse of public resources, which could undermine public trust in the criminal justice system.

The details

Reynolds' lawsuit against Levinson and Atlantic County is the latest in a series of controversial moves by the prosecutor. He has taken on the Atlantic City mayor, school officials, a county commissioner, and even the local NAACP chapter in recent years. The lawsuit is seen as particularly egregious, as it will be funded by taxpayer money, with both sides being paid for by the county.

  • In the past few years, Reynolds has made a number of controversial decisions as Atlantic County Prosecutor.
  • Last week, the Atlantic County Commissioners voted 9-0 to publicly express their confidence in the county's legal counsel, in response to Reynolds' lawsuit.

The players

Will Reynolds

The Atlantic County, New Jersey Prosecutor who has filed a lawsuit against Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson and the county government.

Dennis Levinson

The Atlantic County Executive who is being sued by Prosecutor Will Reynolds.

Atlantic County Commissioners

The county governing body that voted 9-0 to publicly express their confidence in the county's legal counsel in response to Reynolds' lawsuit.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage public trust in the criminal justice system.”

— Harry Hurley, Journalist

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on the merits of Reynolds' lawsuit against Levinson and Atlantic County.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of responsible leadership and decision-making in the prosecutor's office, as well as the need for public officials to use taxpayer resources wisely and avoid unnecessary litigation that could erode public trust in the criminal justice system.