Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson is growing increasingly concerned about the impact to county taxpayers of unwarranted and frivolous court procedures initiated by County Prosecutor William Reynolds.

In a court hearing held May 5, 2026 regarding the ongoing complaints filed by the County Prosecutor against Atlantic County, County Executive Dennis Levinson, County Administrator Jerry Del Rosso, County Counsel Lynne Hughes and Assistant County Counsel Art Murray, NJ Superior Court Assignment Judge Susan Sheppard indicated that due to significant changes in the Prosecutor’s position, she will allow him to file an amended complaint before she makes further rulings on a host of other motions that were pending.

The Prosecutor originally filed a four-count complaint but has voluntarily dropped two of those counts after reviewing the county’s opposition. One count involved alleged prosecutorial interference by Levinson and the second questioned his right, as county executive, to exercise his free speech.

“Prosecutor Reynolds filed sworn statements accusing me of interfering in his law enforcement functions and responsibilities, yet he has now withdrawn his claims. If those claims were baseless and untruthful, could the same be said of the others,” questioned Levinson. “It makes me wonder about his judgment. As the county prosecutor, he is the top law enforcement official in the county and this raises concerns.”

Following the unanimous acquittal of Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small last December, Levinson has continued to voice concerns about the ongoing costs to taxpayers of lawsuits pursued by the Prosecutor against him, the county, county administrator, county counsel and assistant counsel, as well as additional claims filed against Atlantic City elected officials and school board members, and members of the NAACP.

“On one hand he complains to the State Attorney General that his office is underfunded with a budget of $18 million that is comparable to other counties with more than double our population, while on the other hand he seems to have no concern for the cost of litigation he has initiated,” explained Levinson. “It is confounding, to say the least.”

Judge Sheppard noted that Reynolds has also withdrawn his Motion to Seal and she has quashed his OPRA request.

The Prosecutor has 20 days to submit an amended complaint followed by another 20 days in which Atlantic County can respond.

“At this point it will be likely be July before any ruling is issued,” stated Levinson, “meanwhile the costs to our taxpayers continue to mount.”

Levinson said he is also disappointed that the State Attorney General has not responded to his March 27, 2026 letter with his concerns about the expense to county taxpayers while these issues remain unresolved.

“I am willing to cooperate with the judicial process but there is an unfortunate price to pay, most of which is borne by the taxpayer. My duty is to protect them,” he said. “No prosecutor should be permitted to use his position to inflict such financial burden on innocent citizens. Our focus should be on working together to serve the public. Let’s get back to doing the people’s business.”