Atlantic City Retains Powerful Law Firm to Fight County Prosecutor

Prosecutor Will Reynolds faces mounting pressure from city officials and community groups

Apr. 2, 2026 at 9:10am

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The City of Atlantic City has retained a prominent New Jersey-New York law firm to protect its interests against Atlantic County Prosecutor Will Reynolds. Reynolds has previously served a tort claim notice on the city, mayor, school district, and other officials, while the mayor has filed a similar notice against Reynolds alleging malicious prosecution.

Why it matters

The escalating legal battle between the city and the county prosecutor's office highlights growing tensions over allegations of misconduct and abuse of power. The outcome could have significant implications for the leadership and oversight of law enforcement in the region.

The details

Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small filed a tort claim notice against Reynolds, the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office, County Executive Dennis Levinson, and others, preparing to file a major lawsuit for alleged malicious prosecution. Small was recently acquitted at trial just before Christmas 2025. Reynolds has also been criticized by the Atlantic County Executive, the local and state NAACP chapters, and the Atlantic City Board of Education, which held a special meeting to address the situation.

  • In December 2025, Mayor Marty Small was acquitted at trial.
  • In early 2026, Mayor Small filed a tort claim notice against Prosecutor Reynolds.
  • In April 2026, the City of Atlantic City retained the DeCotiis law firm to represent its interests.

The players

Will Reynolds

The Atlantic County Prosecutor who is facing mounting pressure and legal action from city officials.

Marty Small

The Mayor of Atlantic City who was recently acquitted at trial and has filed a tort claim notice against Prosecutor Reynolds.

Dennis Levinson

The Atlantic County Executive who has written a letter to the New Jersey Attorney General criticizing Prosecutor Reynolds.

George Frino

An attorney from the DeCotiis law firm who is representing the City of Atlantic City in its legal battle against Prosecutor Reynolds.

Atlantic City Board of Education

The school board that held a special meeting to address the situation with Prosecutor Reynolds.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage public trust in our institutions.”

— Dennis Levinson, Atlantic County Executive

“Prosecutor Reynolds has abused his power and must be held accountable.”

— Marty Small, Mayor of Atlantic City

What’s next

The Atlantic City Board of Education is expected to announce its next steps against Prosecutor Reynolds in the near future.

The takeaway

This legal battle highlights the growing tensions between local officials and the county prosecutor's office, raising concerns about the balance of power and the need for greater accountability in law enforcement oversight.