Atlantic City Mayor and School Superintendent Headed to Trial for Alleged Child Abuse

A highly publicized child abuse case involving Atlantic City’s top political and educational leaders is heading to trial, casting a shadow over the city’s upcoming election. Mayor Marty Small Sr. and his wife, Atlantic City School Superintendent La’Quetta Small, will each stand trial on serious allegations of physically and emotionally abusing their teenage daughter, with proceedings set to begin shortly after voters cast their ballots.

According to court documents, Mayor Small is scheduled to face trial on November 10, 2025, just six days after Election Day. His wife’s trial is slated for December 1, 2025, ensuring this case will remain in the public eye as the year ends. Both individuals attended a recent pre-trial conference, where a judge confirmed the trial dates and denied their motions to dismiss the charges.

Serious Allegations of Abuse and Witness Tampering

The charges against the couple are deeply disturbing and include multiple counts of physical assault, verbal abuse, and witness tampering. Prosecutors allege that on January 3, 2024, Mayor Small engaged in an act of violence during an argument by grabbing his daughter by the head, throwing her to the floor, threatening to “earth slam” her down the stairs, and slapping the weave out of her head. He is also accused of repeatedly punching her in the legs, leaving visible bruises.

Superintendent La’Quetta Small is also accused of physically assaulting her daughter in separate incidents, including punching her in the chest, dragging her by the hair, and striking her with a belt, leaving welts on her shoulders. One particularly troubling incident allegedly involved her punching her daughter in the mouth during a heated exchange.

These incidents culminated in a January 13, 2024, episode where Mayor Small allegedly struck his daughter in the head with a broom, causing her to lose consciousness. Following this assault, he allegedly coerced his daughter to lie about the cause of her injury, urging her to falsely claim that she fell in her room.

Plea Deals Rejected as Trials Move Forward

Despite the severity of the charges, both Marty and La’Quetta Small refused plea deals, opting instead to proceed to trial. The decision comes as Mayor Small campaigns for re-election in what is now a politically and personally tumultuous chapter for the incumbent leader. The allegations, which touch on issues of parental violence, child protection, and governmental integrity, have drawn statewide attention and reignited concerns about domestic abuse within positions of power.

While the couple maintains their innocence, the courts will now determine whether they are guilty of child abuse and obstruction of justice. If convicted, the consequences could be life-altering—not only for their careers but also for their family and the Atlantic City community.

Survivors Deserve Justice—No Matter Who the Abuser Is

This case sends a powerful message: no one is above the law when it comes to the abuse of children, not even elected officials or school leaders. Survivors of Abuse NJ stands firmly with victims of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse and advocates for accountability, regardless of the accused’s status or profession.

If you or someone you love has experienced child abuse, it's critical to understand your legal rights and seek help. Holding abusers accountable through civil litigation can offer survivors compensation for their suffering and a sense of justice long after the trauma.

Contact Survivors of Abuse NJ Today

Led by Joseph L. Messa, Jr., Esq., Survivors of Abuse NJ provides experienced legal advocacy for child abuse victims across New Jersey. Our team is committed to pursuing justice with compassion and strength, even when cases involve powerful individuals or institutions.

Don’t suffer in silence. Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation. Justice and healing start with a single step.

Source:

Patch