Murphy wins: atilis gym owners arrested after defying murphy's law

Murphy Wins: Atilis Gym Owners Arrested after Defying Murphy’s Law

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1 min read
July 27, 2020

BELLMAWR, NJ – Police have arrested 33-year-old Ian Smith and 51-year-old Frank Trumbetti, owners of the Atilis Gym in Bellmawr for their continued defiance of Governor Phil Murphy’s COVID-19 lockdown order prohibiting gyms to reopen.    Early this morning,  police officers showed up at the gym, placing both men in handcuffs.  They were charged with fourth degree contempt of court and violation of the disaster control act.  Both men also received disorderly persons summonses.     According to one eyewitness account, Bellmawr police, Camden County Sheriff’s Department Officers and K-9 units arrived and rushed into the building.

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The owners of Atilis Gym in Bellmawr were arrested and released early Monday morning after continuing to operate their business despite a judge issuing a contempt order against them on Friday, according to Acting Camden County Prosecutor Jill S. Mayer.

Ian Smith, 33, of Delanco Township, and Frank Trumbetti, 51, of Williamstown, are charged with one count of fourth-degree Contempt, one count of Obstruction, and one count of Violation of a Disaster Control Act, both disorderly persons summons.

On July 24, the Honorable Judge Robert T. Lougy, issued a court order for Trumbetti and Smith to vacate the gym and cease operations. From July 24 through July 27, a number of individuals were observed entered and using the gym, a direct violation of the court order.

Police said both owners refused to leave the gym when asked, leading to the charges.

Trumbetti and Smith were transported to the Bellmawr Police Department where they were charged and released.

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