Atlantic City Mayor Cleared of Charges After Casino Night Club Brawl

Atlantic City Mayor Frank Gilliam, Jr., has been cleared of criminal charges related to a fight outside of the Golden Nugget casino last November.

A judge hearing the case dismissed the charges against the mayor on Thursday. Atlantic City Councilman Jeffree Fauntleroy II, who was with Gilliam, was fined $500 for impeding traffic in a public space.

Following the dismissal, Gilliam told reporters, "The justice system basically proved itself on what we stated from the very beginning."

In November, Cape May County Prosecutor Jeffrey H. Sutherland said his office would not be pursuing any criminal charges regarding the altercation that took place. The charges that were dismissed on Thursday were from two citizen complaints filed against the pair by casino nightclub staff members, alleging harassment and simple assault.

The State Attorney General's Office released security footage from the Golden Nugget that shows the fight erupting in the valet area shortly after the men exited Haven nightclub. The silent video shows the mayor, wearing a cap, first arguing with two men, as a woman attempts to restrain him. Around the 4-minute mark, the mayor can be seen running after the men alongside a row of cars and throwing punches in their direction. Fauntleroy can be seen throwing one man to the ground.

The Associated Press contributed to this report; with previous reporting from Eddie Davis.