Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small and his wife, LaQuetta, were charged with child endangerment and assault in relation to their teenage daughter. The charges include hitting the daughter in the head with a broom, causing her to lose consciousness, and physically and emotionally abusing her over multiple instances in December 2023 and January 2024. Marty Small was charged with making terroristic threats, aggravated assault, and simple assault, while LaQuetta Small faced three counts of simple assault. The prosecutor’s office detailed the alleged incidents, including physical violence and threats directed at the daughter.
Small declined to comment on the charges, instead referring a reporter to his lawyer. The attorney emphasized that the charges were not related to public corruption or official duties, but rather a private family matter involving the challenges of raising a teenage daughter. The attorney did not address the substance of the charges but stated that the daughter had not been removed from the family home and was where she belonged. Despite the charges, Small maintained that the family was going through family therapy to address the issues at hand.
The president and vice president of the Atlantic City Board of Education did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the situation. The Smalls were issued summonses for the charges against them and are facing legal proceedings as a result of the alleged abuse and assault of their daughter. Earlier in the month, Small held a news conference at City Hall to address a search of his home, stating that it was related to a private family issue rather than a crime. He mentioned that they were engaging with state child welfare authorities and undergoing family therapy to address the situation.
A spokesman for the state Division of Child Protection and Permanency stated that they could not discuss their cases publicly to protect the privacy of those involved. At the news conference, Small reiterated that the matter was a family issue that they were working through with therapy and appropriate authorities. Small’s wife and two children were present at the news conference but did not speak, departing before it concluded. The legal proceedings against the Smalls highlight a troubling situation involving alleged abuse and assault of their teenage daughter, prompting further investigation and intervention from the appropriate authorities.
