Wildwood arcade owner sexually assaulted pre-teen employee decades ago, lawsuit says

Below is Jay L. Edelstein’s exclusive statement regarding the case against a Wildwood arcade owner. Edelstein Law represents the victims.

“The events that led to the filing of this lawsuit are horrific. The exertion of power over innocent children who place there trust in people like the defendant is a violation of basic human decency. This article outlines what was done to our client. The reaction of the defendant and his lawyer are typical. Feigning shock or surprise is the usual response. The lawyer claiming a “money grab” is the only defense. Each and every time we encounter these responses we push on and prove our case. We at Edelstein Law are committed to help those who are harmed and can’t help themselves. That’s our job.”

- Jay Edelstein

Excerpt below:

The former owner of one of Wildwood’s most notable arcades is accused in a lawsuit of drugging and sexually assaulting a 12-year-old employee more than 40 years ago.

In the lawsuit, filed Monday in Cape May County Superior Court, the plaintiff, identified only by the initials J.H., claims Martin “Marty” Shapiro, former owner of Gateway 26 Arcade Casino, spiked his drink before sexually assaulting him in the arcade’s office in June 1977.

Gateway 26 Arcade Casino at East 26th Avenue and Boardwalk is a large and recognizable business on the Wildwood boardwalk.

“It’s a landmark,” said A.J. Thomson, an attorney at Edelstein Law, LLP, which filed the suit. “And our client has given this very detailed account of what occurred to him. It’s something that still affects him.”

Read more about the latest update on this case here.