Hamilton Township Judge Finds Probable Cause in Complaint Against Galloway Councilman

Hamilton Township Judge H. Robert Switzer has reviewed a complaint filed by Press Reporter Donna Weaver against Councilman Jim McElwee and determined probable cause was found on October 16, 2013. The complaint against McElwee was issued. 

Galloway Township News has obtained a copy of the video footage of the Galloway Township Council Lobby where the alleged incident occurred from October 8, 2013. We are working on uploading the footage for public viewing. 

On October 9, 2013, Press of Atlantic City Staff Writer Donna Weaver, 32, signed a complaint against Galloway Councilman James McElwee, 62, of Galloway Township alleging that on Oct. 8, 2013, Mr. McElwee subjected the her to an act of harassment by offensive touching in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:33-4b. 

Donna Weaver, Facebook

According to a release issued by the Atlantic County Prosecutors Office, this allegation alleges a Petty Disorderly Persons offense under the New Jersey Criminal Code. Petty Disorderly Persons offenses carry a maximum penalty of 30 days in prison and up to $500 in fines.

The complaint was transferred to Hamilton Township due to a conflict pertaining to McElwee's position in Galloway as a Councilman. According to the complaint filed by Weaver, the incident occurred at 8:30 p.m. at the Galloway Township Municipal Complex on October 8, 2013.  

No other documents were released at time of publication from Hamilton Township Municipal Court regarding the determination of probable cause or if any statements by Weaver were a determining factor for the charges. 

Councilman Jim McElwee is represented by Atlantic City based attorney Joseph A. Levin. McElwee had no further comment at this time. 

Court Date is set for October 30, 2013 at 9:00am in the Hamilton Township Municipal Court.