Atlantic City’s mayor, Marty Small Sr., and his wife, La’Quetta Small, who serves as the superintendent of the city’s public schools, are currently facing serious allegations of mistreating their teenage daughter. The charges stem from a series of incidents that occurred between December 2023 and January 2024, which led to both of them being indicted by a New Jersey grand jury on child endangerment charges, as well as the mayor facing additional charges of assault and making terror threats.

According to reports from The New York Times, the accusations against the Smalls detail a pattern of abuse towards their 15-year-old daughter. On January 13, 2024, Mayor Small allegedly struck his daughter with a broom, causing her to black out. In another disturbing incident, he reportedly pushed her down and threatened her with more violence. La’Quetta Small is also facing charges of physical harm towards their daughter, including punching her in the chest, leaving visible marks, as well as pulling her hair and hitting her with a belt.

Despite these allegations, the legal team representing the Smalls maintains their innocence. Attorney Edwin Jacobs insists that the charges are unrelated to Mayor Small’s role as a public official and are instead a private family matter. Jacobs has made it clear that Mayor Small has no intentions of stepping down from his position.

The case has garnered significant attention from the public, particularly within the context of Atlantic City’s political landscape. Mayor Small, a Democrat, assumed office in 2019 following the resignation of the previous mayor amidst corruption charges. He was elected to a full term in 2022 and has been a prominent figure in local politics, known for his efforts to revitalize the city.

This latest scandal involving the Smalls comes on the heels of the arrest of Constance Days-Chapman, the head of Atlantic City High School, who is also facing accusations of failing to report signs of abuse. The unfolding situation has cast a shadow over the city and its leadership, sparking concern and scrutiny from both residents and officials alike.