Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr. found not guilty of charges related to the abuse of his teenage daughter.

Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr. has been acquitted of all charges related to the alleged abuse of his teenage daughter. The verdict was delivered by a jury on Thursday, concluding a highly publicized trial that has drawn considerable attention since his indictment in September 2024. Small, who is 51 years old and a member of the Democratic Party, had successfully secured reelection in November prior to the serious allegations being made against him and his wife, La’Quetta Small, the city’s superintendent of schools.

During the trial, the prosecution alleged that both Small and his wife engaged in various forms of physical and emotional abuse toward their daughter, with specific accusations dating back to incidents reported between December 2023 and January 2024. The prosecution’s case included disturbing allegations, such as claims that Marty Small struck his daughter with a broom, resulting in her losing consciousness. Additional accusations pointed to physical violence, including allegations of punching and threatening to push her down a flight of stairs. La’Quetta Small faced similar accusations, with claims that she punched their daughter and used a belt as a means of punishment.

The case took another turn in December 2024 when Mayor Small was indicted again, this time on charges of witness tampering. Authorities stated that Small had allegedly urged his daughter to misrepresent the facts of the abuse, specifically suggesting that injuries sustained came from a fall rather than physical assault.

After a trial that lasted several days, during which jurors sought clarification on various aspects of evidence and testimony, they reached a unanimous not guilty verdict after deliberating for approximately two and a half days. The jury’s determination came shortly after they requested to revisit segments of Small’s testimony, demonstrating the complexities and sensitivities involved in the case.

Following the verdict, Small and his supporters expressed relief and triumph outside the courthouse, interpreting the outcome as a vindication not just for him but for the wider community of Atlantic City. Had he been convicted on more serious counts, Small faced potential prison time and would have been compelled to resign from his elected position. It is also noteworthy that he had previously declined a plea deal that would have allowed him to avoid incarceration.

Atlantic County Prosecutor William Reynolds acknowledged his disappointment with the jury’s decision but reiterated respect for the judicial process. He emphasized the fundamental rights of the accused in the American legal system.

Meanwhile, La’Quetta Small is slated to face her own trial in January, where she is expected to contest charges of child endangerment and failure to report the alleged abuse. She maintains her innocence regarding any wrongdoing in the situation.

The resolution of this high-profile case reflects ongoing discussions about the legal system, the presumption of innocence, and the complexities surrounding allegations of abuse within familial contexts.