While no charges were filed against the deputy mayor, two incidents from as far back as a year ago have emerged just weeks before the Nov. 6 election
Two separate incidents involving Deputy Mayor Jason Ravitz have surfaced on the website newjerseyglobe.com, detailing altercations Ravitz has had with patrons at restaurant bars with either video or police records.
The Voorhees Police Department has confirmed no charges were filed against Ravitz or others in the altercations, and no one was arrested in either incident.
In the first incident dated Aug. 19 of last year, Ravitz appears to get into an uncomfortable discussion with a group separate from his own party at the bar, as shown by security camera footage, without audio. The incident occurred at Ott’s Tavern in Voorhees.
After a discussion with the bar manager, Ravitz is forcibly removed from the building by a bouncer after a brief shoving match between the two.
While outside, Ravitz states that anti-Semitic insults and racist comments were directed toward him and his party and he “was defending my religion and defending my friends,” as captured by body cameras worn by responding police officers after Ott’s Tavern called the authorities.
Additionally, Ravitz tells one of the responding officers, “If you guys are [going to] charge me then charge me. If you guys [want to] arrest me, arrest me,” and that “it’ll be interesting. The guy that promoted you … you’re [going to] charge him.”
He also states that if the person who directed racial slurs toward him and his party comes outside that the officers should “probably hold me back.” Later, although the video does not show Ravitz saying anything, a police officer reminds Ravitz that his body camera cannot be turned off.
The officer tells Ravitz to call for an Uber or another ride home because he cannot drive home.
The second incident that surfaced on the website is of a police report showing an altercation Ravitz had at an Applebee’s earlier this year with three other men after intervening.
After an officer responds to the location, Sgt. Anthony Russo indicates in his report he detected alcohol on Ravitz’s breath.
“[Ravitz] stated he did not feel comfortable talking with my body camera on,” Russo wrote in his report. “I advised him it was mandatory for it to be on.”
According to Voorhees Police Department Capt. Carmen Del Palazzo, the department follows the attorney general’s guidelines for the state with body cameras, and that officers cannot turn them off when asked.
Instead, officers are only able to turn off cameras when speaking with a supervisor or discussing tactics with fellow officers.
Additionally, Russo wrote in his report that Ravitz said, “I don’t know why you guys have it in for me, I do everything for you,” to Russo as he left.
In a statement to The Sun, Ravitz apologized for both incidents and stated he looks forward to continuing to help improve Voorhees as a member of the local government. Ravitz is running for re-election next month for township committee.
“As some of you may know, certain incidents and videos from the distant past have been released by my political opponents a mere month before this year’s local election,” said Ravitz in the statement. “While I may have been provoked by anti-Semitic and racist comments made against me and my friends, I regret my behavior and I am sorry that it happened. While no charges or arrests resulted, I apologize to all who have put their trust in me. While my actions were inappropriate, they are not indicative of the man that I am today.
“I am not a perfect person and, like many, have dealt with personal issues and have experienced trauma in my life. While this is no excuse for my behavior last year, I have taken steps and worked extremely hard to address and overcome these issues. I can confidently say I am now a happier, healthier and better person who continues to work for you and our community.
“While these political attacks have had a tremendous impact on my family and have taken their toll on my children, I would like to acknowledge the outpouring of support which I have received over these past couple weeks. I cannot put into words how much this has meant to my family and me. I have learned a lot about myself over this past year and these past couple weeks. I have had a chance to reflect on this as well. We are ready to move forward. I can tell you without hesitation that I remain committed to continuing to represent you and all the good citizens of Voorhees.”
Ravitz issued a formal apology as well on his personal Facebook page shortly after the videos were released.
In a phone call with The Sun, Ravitz stated he apologized to three members of the Voorhees Police Department within a few days of the first incident, including Chief Louis Bordi and Deputy Chief Bill Donnelly.
He would not comment on his statements regarding not feeling comfortable speaking to the officers while the body cameras were on or his comments about his relationship with the police.
Ravitz stated he plans to continue to campaign until the last day of the election and is looking forward to continuing to be involved in local government.
“My wish is to continue to represent the good people of Voorhees,” said Ravitz.
