Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr. has initiated legal action against Atlantic County Prosecutor William E. Reynolds, alleging malicious prosecution and civil rights violations. This lawsuit follows Small’s acquittal on child abuse charges, which he contends were politically motivated attempts to remove him from office.
In December 2025, a jury found Mayor Small not guilty on all counts related to allegations of physically and emotionally abusing his teenage daughter. The prosecution had accused him of multiple incidents, including striking his daughter with a broom and rendering her unconscious. Upon hearing the verdict, Small expressed his relief, stating, “Thank you, Jesus! Thank you, jury!” He emphasized his commitment to his role, asserting, “The people of Atlantic City want us, the people of Atlantic City need us, and the people of Atlantic City deserve us.” ([inquirer.com](https://www.inquirer.com/news/new-jersey/marty-small-mayor-atlantic-city-trial-verdict-new-jersey-20251218.html?utm_source=openai))
Following the mayor’s acquittal, the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office sought to dismiss all charges against Small’s wife, La’Quetta Small, who serves as the superintendent of Atlantic City public schools. Prosecutor Reynolds cited the previous not guilty verdict and the desire to avoid further trauma to the family as reasons for this decision. ([fox29.com](https://www.fox29.com/news/atlantic-county-prosecutors-seek-dismissal-indictments-against-atlantic-city-superintendent-principal?utm_source=openai))
In March 2026, the Smalls’ attorneys announced their intention to sue Prosecutor Reynolds and Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson. They claim the charges were “baseless” and “malicious,” causing significant emotional distress and reputational harm. The lawsuit also includes Atlantic City High School Principal Constance Days-Chapman, who faced charges for allegedly failing to report the supposed abuse. These charges were later dismissed. The attorneys argue that the prosecution was an attempt to coerce incriminating information against the Smalls. ([audacy.com](https://www.audacy.com/kywnewsradio/news/local/mayor-marty-laquetta-small-lawsuit-atlantic-county-child-abuse?utm_source=openai))
Prosecutor Reynolds has defended his office’s actions, stating that the investigation was conducted “honestly and impartially,” aiming to seek justice for the alleged victim. He expressed disappointment with the jury’s verdict but acknowledged the decision. ([inquirer.com](https://www.inquirer.com/news/new-jersey/marty-small-mayor-atlantic-city-trial-verdict-new-jersey-20251218.html?utm_source=openai))
As the legal proceedings unfold, the case underscores the complex interplay between politics and the justice system in Atlantic City. Mayor Small continues to serve in his role, focusing on governance while addressing the legal challenges stemming from these events.