In a recent development, the mayor of Atlantic City and his wife, who is the superintendent of the city's schools, have pleaded not guilty to charges of beating and abusing their teenage daughter. The couple, Mayor Marty Small Sr. and La’Quetta Small, were indicted on child endangerment and other charges last month. Prosecutors allege that the parents physically and emotionally abused their 15 to 16-year-old daughter, even causing her to lose consciousness at least once.
The mayor, aged 50, is facing additional charges of assault and terroristic threats. However, both Marty and La’Quetta Small have denied the allegations, with their lawyer emphasizing that parenting struggles should not be considered criminal events.
During the court appearance, the couple chose not to speak, and their lawyer issued a statement asserting their innocence. The defense team argued that the prosecution's focus on the high-profile couple was an attempt to sensationalize a private family matter.
The indictment of the Smalls followed the charging of the principal of Atlantic City High School, Constance Days-Chapman, in connection with the same case. Days-Chapman is accused of failing to report the abuse allegations to child welfare authorities, despite being informed by the teenage girl.
Prosecutors have presented evidence including recordings of interactions between the girl and her parents, statements from various individuals, and messages indicating the girl's feelings of insecurity at home. The case has garnered significant attention due to the public positions held by the accused couple.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the community awaits further developments in this troubling case of alleged child abuse within a prominent family in Atlantic City.
