Atlantic City’s mayor Marty Small Sr. faces serious charges, including child abuse and witness tampering, prompting a tense legal battle that grips public attention.
At a Glance
- Marty Small Sr. indicted for witness tampering, requesting daughter to recant abuse allegations.
- The indictment claims Small’s actions were intended to alter daughter’s recollection of a serious head injury.
- Both Small and his wife plead not guilty, staunchly denying all allegations.
- Evidence suggests video recordings and messages from the daughter describing an unsafe home environment.
Serious Allegations Unfold
Mayor Marty Small Sr. of Atlantic City, NJ, has been indicted on charges of child abuse and witness tampering. This legal storm emerges from allegations that Small urged his daughter to retract claims of abuse, urging her to blame a severe head injury on a fall rather than an assault. Prosecutors have detailed this accusation among other charges of creating an environment of emotional and physical harm.
An incident on January 13 is particularly alarming, as it alleges that Small assaulted his daughter with a broom, leading to her loss of consciousness. Despite these serious charges, Small, alongside his wife La’Quetta, maintains his innocence and pleads not guilty to any wrongdoing.
Atlantic City Mayor Small indicted on witness tampering charge in child abuse case https://t.co/KOwqvtxr4z
— Press of AC (@ThePressofAC) December 18, 2024
Entangled Legal Proceedings
Beyond the immediate family allegations, the case has broader implications. The couple has been repeatedly indicted, including charges of child endangerment and making terroristic threats. Allegations maintain the abuse was both physical and psychological, accompanied by threats from both parents toward their teenage daughter.
“A bad prosecutor can indict a ham sandwich and this is what happened here.” – Small
Prosecutors allegedly possess video evidence and communications from the daughter indicating fear for her safety, including bruises sent to her boyfriend who alerted law enforcement. Supporting Small is Edwin Jacobs, emphasizing the family’s stance on maintaining innocence and challenging the allegations as intrusive.
Atlantic City Mayor Small indicted on witness tampering charge in child abuse case.
The indictment came approximately 90 minutes after the Mayor concluded a press conference on the city's accomplishments this year.
Story by @ACPressOConnor https://t.co/ZbRCgFq4qq
— Nicholas Huba (@ACPressHuba) December 18, 2024
Public Perception and Moving Forward
Marty Small Sr. was initially appointed mayor in 2019, following his predecessor’s resignation. Small was then elected for a full term in 2021. With his legal team, Small plans to confront and dismantle the charges, emphasizing through his attorney the personal nature of the family’s dynamics versus what he sees as prosecutorial overreach.
“We look forward to beating this bulls— case, Eddie Jacobs will do the rest of the talking for me.” – Small
The case continues to unfold, capturing the public’s eye as Small addresses the scrutiny while asserting his dedication to uphold his responsibilities as mayor, despite the challenging family and legal scenarios he faces.
Sources
1. Atlantic City mayor indicted and accused of asking daughter to retract claims that he abused her
2. Atlantic City mayor indicted and accused of asking daughter to retract claims that he abused her
