The Mayor of Atlantic City, Marty Small Sr., was the target of a raid on his home by armed police officers, which he referred to as a “political” attack related to a family matter. Small was approached by officers as he was assisting his mother-in-law, and he was presented with five search warrants for his home and vehicles as part of an ongoing investigation that he had been aware of for several months. The raid involved around 20 law enforcement officials with firearms and battering rams. After about three and a half hours, the officers seized two cellphones and personal-use laptops belonging to Small.
Small expressed his belief that the raid was conducted in an aggressive and public manner. He claimed that the motivations behind the attack were political and racial, stating that individuals were opposed to the opportunities he was providing to minorities in City Hall. As someone up for re-election the following year, Small suspected that the raid was driven by politics, as opponents may not be able to defeat him in an election. Despite these accusations, he emphasized that he had nothing to hide and did not deserve such treatment.
The raid on Small’s home coincided with the arrest of Constance Days-Chapman, the principal of Atlantic City High School, on charges related to failing to report allegations of abuse to the child welfare agency in New Jersey. Days-Chapman had previously worked as Small’s campaign manager and was employed by the Atlantic City School District where Small’s wife served as superintendent. Small refuted rumors surrounding the arrest, including false claims of violence against his daughter. He maintained that his family stood by Days-Chapman and denied any wrongdoing.
Small’s attorney, Ed Jacobs, addressed speculation about potential charges against the mayor or his wife, stating that they had not obstructed the investigation. The Atlantic City Prosecutor’s Office defended its actions during the raid, emphasizing that standard procedures were followed to ensure the safety of all individuals involved. Small and his wife were reportedly treated with dignity and respect throughout the process. The family is now seeking family therapy and is in contact with state child welfare authorities to address the issues that have arisen as a result of the investigation.
