Coughlin calls for Gilliam’s resignation

Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin called on Atlantic City’s mayor to resign after he pleaded guilty to wire fraud.

“The mayor of Atlantic City admitted in court today to stealing over $87,000 from a nonprofit youth basketball league,” Coughlin said. “Mayor Gilliam has betrayed the public’s trust and has lost the public’s confidence. For those reasons he must resign immediately and step aside to allow for new leadership in Atlantic City.”

Mayor Frank Gilliam face up to 20 years in prison, though he’ll likely see far less as part of his plea deal. He also faces a fine of up to $250,000.

Gov. Phil Murphy and a number of Atlantic County Democrats have called for Gilliam’s resignation.