Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small and his wife are facing charges of abusing and assaulting their teenage daughter. The Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office has filed charges against both parents for endangering the welfare of a child.
Marty Small has been charged with making terroristic threats, aggravated assault, and simple assault. His wife, La’Quetta Small, faces three counts of simple assault.
The prosecutor's office stated that the defendants physically and emotionally abused their 15/16-year-old daughter on multiple occasions in December 2023 and January 2024. Marty Small allegedly hit his daughter in the head with a broom, causing her to lose consciousness, punched her in the legs, and made threats of violence.
La’Quetta Small is accused of punching her daughter in the chest, mouth, and dragging her by the hair. She also allegedly struck her with a belt, leaving marks on her shoulders.
The charges do not involve public corruption but are related to the couple's interactions with their daughter. The family's attorney emphasized that it is a private family matter and that the daughter has not been removed from their home.
Mayor Small previously stated that the situation is being addressed through family therapy and interactions with state child welfare authorities.
The Atlantic City Board of Education officials have not commented on the matter. Both Smalls were issued summonses for the charges against them.
State child welfare authorities have not publicly discussed the case to protect the privacy of those involved. The family has been engaged in therapy and is working through the issues internally.
