Marty Small officially became Atlantic City's new mayor Friday.
The City Council president was sworn in as acting mayor during a private ceremony at City Hall, a day after Frank Gilliam pleaded guilty to taking $87,000 meant for a youth basketball camp.
Small was sworn in by Atlantic County attorney Ed Jacobs, whose law firm twice defended Small against voter fraud allegations.
"If it wasn't for this man, today wouldn't be possible," Small said.
He was acquitted twice.
Gilliam resigned Thursday, hours after pleaded guilty in federal court.
He said the resignation was tendered "with a heavy heart."
"My sincere apologies to each constituent that voted for me and had high hopes for my tenure," Gilliam wrote.
Former City County Vice President Aaron "Sporty" Randolph is now council president.
Small's position will be temporary until a formal decision is made by City Council.
That process begins at 6 p.m. Tuesday, with a meeting of the Democratic Committee, whose members will nominate three people that will be presented to council.
Small would likely be among those three, President Gwen Callaway Lewis said.
