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Atlantic City Council member charged with threatening a witness

Muhammad Zia was handcuffed and charged with threatening a witness in the civil case against him, authorities said.

Owner Muhammad Zia (left) talks with Atlantic City Police Officer Ivaylo Ivanov (right) outside his Food 4 Less convenience store, as police and service groups do their daily outreach along Atlantic Avenue, March 5, 2019. Zia is now a councilmember.
Owner Muhammad Zia (left) talks with Atlantic City Police Officer Ivaylo Ivanov (right) outside his Food 4 Less convenience store, as police and service groups do their daily outreach along Atlantic Avenue, March 5, 2019. Zia is now a councilmember.Read moreTOM GRALISH / Staff Photographer

ATLANTIC CITY — An Atlantic City Council member who is fighting a challenge to his residency was handcuffed and escorted out of the civil trial last week after being charged with threatening a witness testifying against him, authorities said.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, three people alleged that Muhammad Zia, a sitting council member, had threatened to assault a witness in the civil trial on June 19, specifically by “coming very close to [one witness’] face and stating, ‘Don’t f— with me, I will f— you up.’”

The victim’s name was redacted from the complaint but was described as being “a party testifying against the defendant in a court matter.”

The civil trial is a challenge to Zia’s residency filed by Maria Lacca, his unsuccessful Republican opponent in the November 2023 municipal election for the 5th Ward council seat. Zia was sworn in to the council in January after winning by 44 votes.

Lacca, who wants Zia to be disqualified and a new special election held, contends that Zia actually lives in Egg Harbor Township, not Atlantic City. Zia testified on the first day of the trial, before Superior Court Judge Michael Blee, that he and his wife are separated and he lives in an apartment on North Brighton Avenue in Atlantic City, according to a report in the Atlantic City Press.

The criminal complaint lists Brighton Avenue in Atlantic City as Zia’s home address.

Atlantic County Sheriff Joe O’Donoghue, whose office is responsible for securing the Atlantic County courthouses, said the investigation was continuing. “It was not a physical contact,” he said. “There were alleged threats, a charge of tampering with the witness.”

The complaint charges Zia with terroristic threats and with trying to “obstruct, delay, prevent or impede an official proceeding or investigation.”

After being processed, Zia was released on a summons, O’Donoghue said. An appearance date is set for July 17. Zia did not immediately return an email requesting comment.