N.J. gym owners who defied closure order now face charges

The owners of a New Jersey gym that has repeatedly defied Gov. Phil Murphy’s executive order to remain closed during the COVID-19 pandemic were arrested Monday on contempt charges.

Ian Smith, 33, of Delanco Township, and Frank Trumbetti, 51, of Williamstown, were also charged with obstruction and violating the Disaster Control Act. They operate the Atilis Gym in Bellmawr, a suburb of Philadelphia.

The two men were processed at police headquarters and released later Monday morning. They and their attorney could not be reached for comment.

A state judge ruled Friday that New Jersey authorities could shut down a gym and authorized the state health department to put locks on the doors or put up barriers to ensure compliance.

The gym opened its doors in May, starting a legal battle over whether Murphy’s order for nonessential businesses to remain closed was constitutional. It continued to operate despite receiving summonses each day for violating the state order. Crowds of people often showed up to show their support for the gym.

Last week, Murphy allowed outdoor drills for contact sports to resume, as well as one-on-one indoor martial arts and yoga instruction. But gyms have remained ordered closed.

The gym owners have said they have taken steps to ensure social distancing, including taping off workout stations and operating at 20% of the building’s capacity, meaning about 44 patrons at a time. They also were requiring patrons to wear masks unless they were in the middle of lifting weights and taking patrons’ temperature at the door.