MAYS LANDING, N.J. — Atlantic City’s mayor, Marty Small Sr., and his wife, La’Quetta Small, who is the superintendent of schools in the area, entered not guilty pleas on Thursday regarding allegations that they physically and emotionally abused their teenage daughter. Their attorney emphasized that the struggles of parenting should not be viewed as criminal behavior.
Both individuals face multiple charges, including child endangerment, after an indictment was issued last month. Prosecutors allege that the couple subjected their daughter, aged 15 to 16 during the incidents that reportedly took place in December and January, to physical harm—at one point, an incident was severe enough to render her unconscious. In addition to child endangerment charges, the mayor faces additional accusations of assault and making terroristic threats. Through their attorney, the couple has asserted their innocence, characterizing the situation as a private family matter that should not be conflated with criminal activity.
In court, neither Small nor his wife made any statements, and following the proceedings, their lawyer, Ed Jacobs, expressed that they are “entirely innocent” and suggested that the couple is being unfairly targeted due to their public positions. Jacobs pointed out that their notoriety offered a convenient backdrop for a high-profile investigation, one that intrudes into personal family issues. He is confident that the jury will recognize that challenges in parenting are not criminal offenses and will ultimately conclude the couple is innocent.
After their indictment on September 17, Small indicated to the media that they were looking forward to presenting their side of the story. He also mentioned that their daughter continues to reside with them at home, adding that the community has only heard one side of the situation.
The indictment came shortly after another incident involving a prominent figure in the local education system. Constance Days-Chapman, the principal of Atlantic City High School and a close friend of the Smalls, faces charges for neglecting to report the alleged abuse claims to state authorities. Her attorney has asserted her innocence, and she pleaded not guilty during a recent court session.
Court documents filed earlier this year reveal that the Smalls were disapproving of their daughter’s relationship with her boyfriend, who allegedly recorded a disturbing incident featuring the mayor’s physical and verbal confrontation with their daughter. Although there were moments when the girl allegedly retracted her accusations, claiming they stemmed from her frustration with parental restrictions, the indictment also mentions various detailed accounts of the purported abuse. It also states that she documented her injuries and shared images of her bruises with her boyfriend, who subsequently reported the matter to law enforcement.
The prosecutor’s office, led by William Reynolds, has cited substantial evidence, consisting of recorded interactions between the girl and her parents, her testimonies provided to police, educators, a therapist, and state welfare officials, as well as written communications to friends expressing her fear for her safety at home.
