Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr., a longtime figure in local politics, and his wife, La’Quetta, who serves as the city’s school superintendent, are facing serious charges of child abuse and endangering their daughter’s welfare. Prosecutors allege the couple physically and emotionally abused their teenage daughter on multiple occasions last winter, with specific claims that Marty Small struck her with a broom, causing her to lose consciousness, and threatened to throw her down the stairs.
La’Quetta Small is accused of repeatedly hitting her daughter, dragging her by the hair, and striking her with a belt. This week, a new witness tampering charge was filed against Mayor Small, alleging he asked his daughter to falsely claim her head injury was from a fall, rather than abuse, just before his indictment. The Smalls, who have pleaded not guilty, continue to deny all allegations.
