Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr. and his wife La’Quetta have been charged with the alleged abuse of their teenage daughter. The couple has been facing charges of second-degree endangering the welfare of a child, while Marty Small is also accused of third-degree terrorist threats and third-degree aggravated assault. Additionally, they have been charged with a disorderly person’s simple assault offense. La’Quetta Small serves as the superintendent of the Atlantic City Public Schools, and the abuse is said to have occurred multiple times between December 2023 and January 2024 when the daughter was 15 and 16 years old.
Investigations revealed that Marty Small hit his daughter in the head with a broom several times, causing her to lose consciousness. He also allegedly threatened to harm her by slamming her down the stairs and physically attacked her during arguments. The abuse involved punching the daughter in the legs leaving bruises and other physical assaults. La’Quetta Small was also accused of physically assaulting her daughter by punching her in the chest, dragging her by the hair, and hitting her with a belt. The incidents left marks on the daughter’s body and resulted in bruises.
The Atlantic City Mayor’s home was searched in late March, and the couple’s daughter appeared with her mother at an Atlantic City news conference in April where the mayor stated that he has “nothing to hide.” The prosecutor’s office confirmed the charges against the Smalls, and they are now facing legal consequences for the alleged abuse of their daughter. Despite the serious nature of the accusations, the couple’s attorney and the city’s spokesperson did not offer any public comments on the matter. The case has sparked public outrage and concern over the welfare of the teenage victim.
The abuse of a vulnerable minor by public officials has raised questions about accountability and leadership in Atlantic City. As the superintendent of schools, La’Quetta Small is responsible for the well-being of students in the district, yet she is now facing serious criminal charges related to the mistreatment of her own child. The mayor, Marty Small Sr., who holds a position of authority and public trust, is also accused of committing violent acts against his daughter. The legal proceedings will shed light on the extent of the abuse and determine the appropriate consequences for the couple’s actions.
The impact of the abuse allegations on the city’s governance and public perception remains to be seen as the legal process unfolds. The case has drawn attention to issues of domestic violence, child abuse, and the abuse of power by those in positions of authority. The mayor and his wife now face a legal battle that will determine their guilt or innocence in the alleged mistreatment of their daughter. The seriousness of the charges and the public scrutiny surrounding the case highlight the responsibility of public officials to uphold moral and ethical standards in their personal lives and professional roles.
Moving forward, the legal proceedings against Marty Small Sr. and La’Quetta Small will continue to unfold, shedding light on the details and evidence surrounding the abuse allegations. The case serves as a reminder of the need for accountability, transparency, and ethical behavior in public service. It also underscores the importance of protecting vulnerable individuals, especially children, from harm and ensuring that those in positions of authority are held to the highest standards of conduct. The outcome of this case will have implications for the city of Atlantic City, its governance, and the community’s trust in its leaders.
