Atlantic City Mayor Indicted on Child Endangerment Charges

Atlantic City’s mayor, Marty Small Sr., and his wife, La’Quetta Small, who runs the city’s public schools as superintendent, face charges for mistreating their teenage daughter. On September 17, 2024, a New Jersey grand jury indicted both on child endangerment charges. The mayor also has to answer for assault and making threats that caused terror.

Mayor Marty Small and His Wife Deny Child Abuse Claims

The accusations against the couple relate to a string of events that took place from December 2023 to January 2024. During this time, they both abused their 15-year-old daughter, reported The New York Times. The prosecutors outlined several examples of this abuse. 

On January 13, 2024, Mayor Small hit his daughter with a broom causing her to black out. In another instance, he knocked her down and warned of more violence. His wife La’Quetta also faces charges of hurting their daughter. The prosecutors claim she punched the girl in the chest leaving marks, and at one point, pulled her by the hair and hit her with a belt.

The Smalls’ legal team says the couple did nothing wrong. Their lawyer, Edwin Jacobs, claims they are innocent. Jacobs points out that the charges have nothing to do with Mayor Small’s job as a public official. He argues this is a private family matter, not misconduct in office. Jacobs also says Mayor Small will not step down.

Abuse Charges Prompt Alarm in Casino City

This case has caught the public’s eye because it affects casino city’s political scene. Mayor Small, a Democrat, took office in 2019 after the previous mayor quit due to corruption charges. Voters elected him to a full term in 2022. He has been a key figure in local politics and is known for his work to bring new life to the city.

This charge comes after the earlier arrest of Constance Days-Chapman, who heads Atlantic City High School. She also faces accusations of not reporting signs of abuse.

Days-Chapman, who knows the Smalls well reportedly did not tell authorities when the daughter spoke to her about the ongoing abuse. Days-Chapman says she is not guilty, and her lawyer claims she will fight the charges.The Smalls will show up in court for arraignment soon. If found guilty, they might spend a long time in prison. In New Jersey, putting a child in danger can lead to up to 10 years behind bars.