Atlantic City Mayor's Home Raided by Armed Police in Ongoing Investigation

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ICARO Media Group
Politics
02/04/2024 20h12

In a surprising turn of events, the Democrat mayor of Atlantic City, Marty Small Sr., found himself at the center of a raid conducted by armed police officers at his home last week. The mayor has since claimed that the incident was politically motivated, raising concerns about the potential racial undertones surrounding the investigation.

According to reports, Mayor Small was approached by two officers from the Atlantic City Prosecutor's Office while he was helping his mother-in-law into the car on Thursday morning. The officers presented him with five search warrants for his home and vehicles, which were part of an ongoing investigation that the mayor claims to have been aware of for several months.

Speaking at a news conference, Small expressed his frustration with the raid, describing it as a "very aggressive and public manner." He emphasized that he had nothing to hide and asserted that he and his family did not deserve such treatment.

Small went on to suggest that the raid and investigation were politically and racially motivated, alleging that some individuals were opposed to the opportunities he was providing to minorities in City Hall. As an incumbent mayor up for re-election next year, he believes that political opponents are resorting to such tactics as they are unable to challenge him in an election.

However, the timing of the raid coincided with the arrest of Constance Days-Chapman, the principal of Atlantic City High School and Small's former campaign manager. Days-Chapman was charged with failing to report allegations of child abuse to the New Jersey child welfare agency. It remains unclear whether the raid on Small's home is directly related to Days-Chapman's arrest.

The arrest of Days-Chapman sheds light on a disturbing allegation brought forth by an unidentified student, who claimed to have been emotionally and physically abused by their parents. Prosecutors alleged that when confronted about the allegations, the principal denied any knowledge of the initial report and instead met with the accused parents.

Amidst these intense developments, Small vehemently denied rumors circulating about him allegedly harming his daughter or being involved in the reported abuse. He emphasized that his daughter was not pregnant and expressed support for the principal, stating that both he and his family stand with her.

Small's attorney, Ed Jacobs, declined to respond to specific factual allegations and maintained that they were not present to try a case that has not been brought. He expressed confidence that no charges would be brought against the mayor or his wife, noting that they have been fully cooperative with the investigation.

The Atlantic City Prosecutor's Office released a statement to assure the public that proper procedures were followed during the raid and that Mayor Small and his wife were treated with dignity and respect throughout the entire process. They emphasized that the safety of all occupants, including law enforcement personnel, was a top priority during the execution of the search warrants.

As the investigation continues, the Smalls are reportedly in contact with state child welfare authorities and seeking family therapy. The mayor hopes to frame this incident as a "family matter," underscoring the need for privacy and support during this challenging time.

It remains to be seen how these events will impact Mayor Small's political career and the ongoing investigation, which has raised questions about underlying motives and the impartiality of law enforcement.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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