NAACP NJ State Conference Calls for Resignation of Atlantic County Prosecutor William Reynolds

ATLANTIC CITY – The NAACP NJ State Conference joins the NAACP Atlantic City Chapter, the Fellowship of Churches, the National Action Network, and the Interfaith Action Movement in calling for the immediate resignation of Atlantic County Prosecutor Williams Reynolds.

On Monday February 9, 2026 the NAACP and The Fellowship of Churches, held a joint press conference at Second Baptist Church in Atlantic City, which was originally scheduled to happen at Saint James A.M.E. Church. The press conference ended with Q and A session from local reporters.

"In the alternative, should resignation not occur, we call for prompt intervention by the Attorney General of New Jersey and a formal meeting to address these matters," Shabazz said in a statement.

"This call is not about politics or personalities. It is about justice, integrity, and the appropriate use of prosecutorial authority," Shabazz said. "Prosecutors are vested with immense discretion and power. That authority must be exercised with restraint, impartiality, and fidelity to the rule of law. When prosecutorial actions raise questions of political influence, retaliation, or selective enforcement, public confidence in the justice system is placed at risk. The harm in such circumstances extends beyond any individual matter and implicates the health of democratic governance itself."

The NAACP has a long history of opposing abuses of state power, particularly where such actions appear to disproportionately impact Black public servants or undermine trust between communities and the justice system.

For more than two years, Mayor Marty S. Small Sr., Superintendent of Schools, Dr. La’Quetta S. Small, and Atlantic City High School Principal Dr. Constance Days-Chapman—well-known educators and public servants—have been subjected to prolonged public scrutiny, ridicule, and reputational harm stemming from prosecutorial actions that, in our view, warrant serious examination.

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. The resulting harm to professional standing, personal lives, and community stability is significant. This prolonged prosecutorial campaign has diverted public resources, imposed substantial costs on taxpayers, and contributed to instability in city leadership.

Dr. Days-Chapman had previously been suspended from her position at Atlantic City High School, pending the outcome of an investigation into allegations that she failed to report an accusation of child abuse involving Mayor Small Sr. and, his wife, the Superintendent, Dr. Small. The Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office ultimately declined to pursue charges against Days-Chapman after the mayor, the plaintiff in the related case, was fully exonerated following a jury trial. The prosecutor’s office also declined to pursue charges against the superintendent, clearing the way for the mayor, superintendent, and principal to return to their duties without the cloud of ongoing legal proceedings.

Atlantic City High School Welcomes Back Principal Dr. Constance Days-Chapman

A community homecoming marks the principal’s return and a renewed focus on leadership

Atlantic City FocusMark Tyler

Of particular concern is the fact that Atlantic County Prosecutor Reynolds authored and transmitted a formal letter requesting that Commissioner the Rev. Collins A. Days Sr. indefinitely recuse himself from voting on matters involving the Prosecutor’s Office, despite the absence of any judicial finding, ethics
determination, or evidentiary showing of bias.

Commissioner Days is the father of Dr. Days-Chapman and is also the duly elected representative of the First District on the Atlantic County Board of Commissioners.

Any attempt by a prosecutor—especially through written communication—to influence, restrict, or discourage an elected official from exercising the full scope of his lawful duties raises serious constitutional and democratic concerns. Commissioner Days was elected by the voters of the First District and possesses both the legal authority and fiduciary obligation to vote on matters before the Board, including those involving the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office, unless and until a lawful disqualification is established through appropriate legal or ethics processes.

Efforts to bar or pressure an elected official into non-participation:

• Undermine the authority conferred by voters
• Effectively silence constituent representation
• Risk establishing a dangerous precedent in which prosecutorial offices exert influence over legislative oversight

When viewed collectively, these actions suggest a pattern that merits independent review, including concerns related to:

• The use of prosecutorial discretionPotential witness intimidation or coercion
• Political interference
• Retaliatory actions impacting Black leadership and their families

These concerns are not presented as conclusions of guilt, but as serious issues requiring transparency, accountability, and impartial investigation. They further raise questions regarding whether similarly situated individuals are being treated consistently under the law.

For these reasons, the NAACP NJ State Conference calls for the immediate resignation of Atlantic County Prosecutor Williams Reynolds. Failing that, we urge the Attorney General of New Jersey to exercise supervisory authority and ensure a full and independent investigation by appropriate state or federal
authorities into:

• The exercise of prosecutorial discretion
• Charging and plea practice
• Allegations of political interference
• Allegations of witness intimidation

Accountability is not optional. It is foundational to public trust.

Thanks for reading the whole story!

At Atlantic City Focus, we're committed to providing a platform where the diverse voices of our community can be heard, respected, and celebrated. As an independent online news platform, we rely on a unique mix of affordable advertising and the support of readers like you to continue delivering quality, community journalism that matters. Please support the businesses and organizations that support us by clicking on their ads. And by making a tax deductible donation today, you become a catalyst for change helping to amplify the authentic voices that might otherwise go unheard. And every contribution is greatly appreciated. Join us in making a difference—one uplifting story at a time!