NAACP Calls for Atlantic County Prosecutor's Resignation

The organization says the prosecution of Atlantic City's mayor on child abuse charges raises concerns over prosecutorial overreach.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The NAACP New Jersey State Conference is calling for the resignation of Atlantic County Prosecutor William Reynolds over the prosecution of Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr., who was acquitted of child endangerment charges. The NAACP says the mayor, his wife, and a school principal were subjected to 'prolonged public scrutiny, ridicule, and reputational harm' due to 'prosecutorial actions that raise substantial concerns regarding prosecutorial overreach and the appearance of political motivation'.

Why it matters

The NAACP's call for the prosecutor's resignation highlights growing concerns over allegations of prosecutorial misconduct and the potential for political motivations in high-profile cases, which can have significant impacts on the lives and reputations of those involved.

The details

Marty Small was acquitted by a jury in December of charges that he abused his teenage daughter. Prosecutors also dropped charges in January against Small's wife, La'Quetta Small, who is the Atlantic City Schools superintendent, and Constance Days-Chapman, the principal of Atlantic City High School, who was accused of failing to report the suspected abuse.

  • In late 2023 and early 2024, the alleged incidents of abuse took place.
  • In December 2025, Marty Small was acquitted by a jury.
  • In January 2026, charges were dropped against La'Quetta Small and Constance Days-Chapman.

The players

William Reynolds

The Atlantic County Prosecutor whose actions the NAACP is calling into question.

Marty Small Sr.

The mayor of Atlantic City who was acquitted of child endangerment charges.

La'Quetta Small

The Atlantic City Schools superintendent and wife of Marty Small, whose charges were dropped.

Constance Days-Chapman

The principal of Atlantic City High School who was accused of failing to report suspected abuse, but had charges dropped.

Richard T. Smith

The president of the NAACP New Jersey State Conference.

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What they’re saying

“Based on publicly available information and observable outcomes, these actions raise substantial concerns regarding prosecutorial overreach and the appearance of political motivation, rather than decisions grounded solely in evidence and law.”

— Richard T. Smith, President, NAACP New Jersey State Conference (whyy.org)

“The resulting harm to professional standing, personal lives, and community stability is significant.”

— Richard T. Smith, President, NAACP New Jersey State Conference (whyy.org)

What’s next

The NAACP is calling for Prosecutor William Reynolds to resign over his handling of the case against Mayor Marty Small and others. It remains to be seen whether Reynolds will step down or if any further action will be taken.

The takeaway

This case highlights concerns over potential prosecutorial misconduct and the need for greater accountability and transparency in the criminal justice system, especially when high-profile figures are involved.