In what may prove to be one of the most aggressive legal actions ever taken by a county prosecutor in New Jersey, Atlantic County Prosecutor Will Reynolds has served formal tort claim notices against Atlantic County, Atlantic City, and numerous officials from both jurisdictions.
The notices, dated Wednesday, March 18, 2026, were delivered both by email and hand-delivery to recipients. Reynolds filed the claims in both his individual and official capacities, represented by Philadelphia-based law firm Bichetto & Lentz, which maintains an office in Mount Holly.
The legal notices name the Atlantic County Executive, the county administrator, Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small, and numerous other county and city officials as parties to the intended lawsuit. A tort claim notice is a required preliminary step under New Jersey law before filing a lawsuit against a government entity.
Disputed Allegations Surface
The legal filings have already sparked controversy over their accuracy. Reynolds' notices reference businessman Joe Jacobs and Frank Barbera, alleging that Barbera works for Jacobs. Both men have publicly disputed this characterization.
Speaking on the record, Jacobs stated that Barbera "does not work for me and has never worked for me." This marks at least the third legal filing in which Reynolds has made this claim about their relationship.
Jacobs also revealed details of a past interaction with Reynolds, describing how the prosecutor sought his assistance. According to Jacobs, Reynolds approached him about attending a fundraising event at Jacobs' home with Governor Phil Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy during the governor's reelection campaign.
"He begged me to come to my home at an event that I was having with Governor Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy," Jacobs recounted. He said Reynolds asked him directly: "Joe, would you help me to become the prosecutor?"
Jacobs stated he advised Reynolds that he didn't need to make a financial contribution and could simply attend the event. Reynolds did attend the summer gathering, which photographs confirm also included Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small—now among the officials named in Reynolds' legal notice.
What Happens Next
The filing of a tort claim notice starts the clock on a mandatory waiting period before a lawsuit can be filed. Both Atlantic County and Atlantic City now have the opportunity to respond to the allegations before any formal litigation proceeds.
The situation raises significant questions about the relationship between the prosecutor's office and the local governments it serves. Legal observers note that a county prosecutor filing suit against the county that employs him is extraordinarily rare and presents complex legal and ethical considerations.
Our community will be watching closely as this unprecedented legal battle unfolds. The outcome could have far-reaching implications for local governance and the balance of power between law enforcement leadership and elected officials in Atlantic County.
