Press of Atlantic City Reporter Files Complaint Against Galloway Councilman

Press of Atlantic City Reporter Donna Weaver is accusing Galloway Councilman Jim McElwee of harassment by offensive touching, the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office announced Thursday afternoon.

Weaver, 32, signed a complaint against McElwee on Oct. 9, alleging that an incident on Oct. 8 in which McElwee “subjected her to harassment by offensive touching.” According to the complaint, the incident took place Tuesday night at 8:30 p.m. at the municipal complex. Galloway Council held its bi-weekly meeting on Tuesday night.

McElwee has not yet been charged because the Galloway Township Municipal Court has been unable to determine probable cause.

McElwee was first elected to council during a special election last year, and is running for re-election in November. He had no comment.

Weaver, The Press of Atlantic City's Galloway Township beat writer, had no comment.

“The Press has no comment,” Press of Atlantic City Interim Executive Editor Peter Brophy said via email.

The complaint alleges a Petty Disorderly Persons offense. The offense carries with it a maximum penalty of 30 days in prison and up to $500 in fines.

According to the Prosecutor’s Office, the issue will be transferred to another municipal court due to McElwee’s status as a councilman. It has not yet been determined which court would now receive the complaint.