The owners of Atilis gym—Ian Smith, 33, and Frank Trumbetti, 51—were charged Monday after disobeying a judge’s orders on Friday to cease operations and vacate the premises in Bellmawr, New Jersey, said acting Camden County Prosecutor Jill Mayer.
The pair were charged with one count of fourth-degree contempt, one count of obstruction, and one count of violation of a disaster control act, Mayer said. If found guilty of contempt, they each face a prison sentence of up to 18 months.
Delanco Township resident Smith and Trumbetti, of Williamstown, were taken to the Bellmawr Police Department at around 5:30 a.m. Monday where they were charged and later released.
CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus restrictions on gyms have not been eased in the state, which is one of the hardest hit by the outbreak of COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus.
Gyms and other businesses were order to close on March 21, however some businesses have since been able to resume operations.
News of the pair’s arrest comes after Smith over the weekend said that there is no reason for Murphy to keep gyms closed in the state.
“So, we’re not backing down from this one.”
Smith’s defense lawyer, James Mermigis, has argued that the Democratic governor is “overreaching.”
New Jersey has issued an incoming travel advisory that all individuals entering from states with a significant spread of COVID-19 should quarantine for 14 days after leaving that state.
Under the 14-day quarantine travel advisory announced by the governors of New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut, individuals traveling to or returning to New Jersey from states—currently 31—with increasing rates of COVID-19 are advised to self-quarantine for 14 days. This includes travel by train, bus, car, plane, and any other method of transportation.
