Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Faces Trial for Child Abuse Allegations

In a notable legal case unfolding in New Jersey, Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr. appeared in court on Monday as his trial commenced, following serious allegations of child abuse against his teenage daughter. The mayor, who was re-elected to office earlier this year, faces multiple charges, including child endangerment, aggravated assault, and witness tampering. Small has publicly denied any wrongdoing, maintaining his innocence as he prepares to defend himself in court.

The allegations against Small, which reportedly began in 2023 and continued into 2024, involve claims that he and his wife, La’Quetta Small, subjected their daughter to physical abuse, ostensibly due to their disapproval of her romantic relationship. Prosecutors allege that the mayor struck his daughter repeatedly with a broom, resulting in her loss of consciousness, and that he also punched her and threatened her life during various confrontations. As the trial progresses, the prosecution is expected to present testimony from Small’s daughter, who is currently 17 years old, detailing her experiences within the household.

Assistant Prosecutor Elizabeth Fischer noted that the testimony would describe a distressing chapter in the young woman’s life, where instead of receiving parental support, she encountered violence. Fischer starkly contrasted this behavior with appropriate parenting, asserting that Small’s actions constituted a failure to protect his daughter at a critical time.

In response, Small’s defense attorney, Louis Barbone, asserted that the accusations are unfounded, claiming that his client acted as a concerned parent rather than an abuser. He suggested that the alleged incident with the broom was fabricated, arguing instead that the struggle arose from a dispute over the broom when the daughter brandished a butter knife. Barbone characterized the family dynamics as initially supportive and loving until complications arose with the daughter’s new relationship, which he contends led to misunderstandings.

As the trial unfolds before Superior Court Judge Joseph A. Levin, both sides have engaged in a robust exchange of narratives. Prosecutors have detailed instances of alleged intimidation, including threats that Small made to his daughter regarding the consequences of reporting his actions. The case gained further complexity with messages exchanged between the daughter and her boyfriend being introduced as evidence, highlighting the tense familial relationships exacerbated by her romantic involvement.

Despite the legal challenges that loom over him, Mayor Small has publicly committed to retaining his position and has rejected any plea deal that would result in his resignation from office. This stance has drawn attention not only from the local community but also from state leadership, including Governor Phil Murphy, who has implied that Small should reconsider his mayoral role during this turbulent period.

The trial is set to reveal more about the intricate and troubling dynamics that characterize the Small household, as jurors are presented with a blend of emotional testimonies and contentious legal arguments. The proceedings not only carry significant implications for Small personally, but also for the community of Atlantic City, as they grapple with the ramifications of these serious allegations against their elected leader.