Robert Levy Resigns as Atlantic City Mayor, Citing Health Concerns, Probe

Atlantic City Mayor Robert Levy yesterday resigned from his position after nearly two weeks of speculation over his whereabouts, citing health concerns and a pending federal investigation as his reasons for stepping down. The federal probe involves certain veterans benefits the former mayor may have collected due to two awards Levy claims he received, yet “neither of which appear to be supported by an appropriate military order,” according to a statement released yesterday through Levy’s attorney, Edwin J. Jacobs. “This in turn, creates a question as to a portion of Mr. Levy’s veterans disability benefits.” Levy served in the U.S. Army for 20 years, from 1964 through 1984, including service in the Vietnam War.The statement went on to assert that officials are not, to the best of Levy or his attorney’s knowledge, investigating any abuse by Levy in his position as mayor. “Nonetheless,” it said, “Mr. Levy has concluded that public confidence is so eroded by these circumstances that the only responsible action is to step down, as he has done.” City Council President William “Speedy” Marsh was sworn in yesterday as acting mayor until voters elect a candidate to replace Levy during a special session, the date of which has yet to be determined. Whoever wins the special election will finish Levy’s term, which runs through 2009.On Sept. 28, Jacobs delivered a letter to the city’s business administrator, Domenic Cappella, which stated Levy’s need for an immediate medical leave and sparked public speculation as to the mayor’s whereabouts. During that time, Levy was at Carrier Clinic, a mental health and addiction recovery center in Belle Mead.