Ian Smith, co-owner of Atilis Gym in Bellmawr, New Jersey, along with his partner Frank Trumbetti, recently emerged victorious in a legal battle against over 80 charges stemming from their defiance of COVID-19 restrictions imposed by the state. The gym remained operational in May 2020 despite Governor Phil Murphy’s mandate to close non-essential businesses, resulting in a series of confrontations with law enforcement.
The duo faced summonses for various offenses, including violating gubernatorial orders, operating without a mercantile license, creating a public nuisance, and disturbing the peace. These charges carried the potential for six months’ imprisonment, according to their attorney, John McCann.
After nearly four years of legal proceedings, a municipal judge in Winslow Township dismissed all charges against Smith and Trumbetti, citing improper charging by local authorities. McCann hailed the decision as just, emphasizing that the town had not acted in good faith.
Smith celebrated the legal victory on social media, thanking supporters and directing derogatory remarks towards Governor Murphy. Despite the inflammatory language, neither local nor state officials opted to appeal the ruling.
McCann highlighted the lack of cooperation from Bellmawr authorities during the legal process, noting deficiencies in providing necessary documentation for the defense. Efforts are now underway to retrieve the fines paid by the gym owners to the state, although McCann acknowledged the complexity of the issue.
During the pandemic, Smith criticized the state’s selective approach to business closures, arguing for the essential nature of gyms in promoting physical and mental health. McCann reiterated that Atilis Gym did not generate revenue from memberships during the pandemic, relying instead on crowdfunding efforts to finance their legal defense.
Despite their legal victory, Smith’s foray into politics proved unsuccessful, with a defeat in the GOP primary for Congress in 2022. The legal triumph, however, marks a significant milestone for Atilis Gym and underscores ongoing debates surrounding COVID-19 restrictions and small business resilience.