Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr. Cleared of Abuse Allegations After Lengthy Trial
Freed of all charges The high-profile trial of Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr. over his parenting and public service ended Thursday. The 51-year-old Democrat was charged with child endangerment, aggravated assault, terroristic threats, and witness tampering. Although the jury acquitted the defendants, they might have faced decades in prison.
After a two-year investigation in early 2023, Small’s teen daughter’s allegations were tried. Small and his wife were charged with assaulting their daughter in her sophomore year of high school. Prosecutors said the mayor broom-knocked out his daughter.
The jurors often studied trial video and sought for legal definitions. Questions concerning how to continue if accusations could not be agreed upon complicated the case. After two-and-a-half days, the jury acquitted, triggering courtroom noise. Mayor Small thanked the jurors and promised Atlantic City citizens service.
Common legal difficulties for Small. Criminal charges have been dropped three times in his political career. New Jersey bans public officials with third-degree or higher criminal offenses. Instead of accepting a plea deal before trial that would have prevented him from running, Small opposed the charges.
Outside the courthouse, Small and his lawyers accepted the jury’s verdict and confirmed his mayoral duties. He also spoke of his relationship with his daughter despite family troubles and public spotlight.
Assistant Atlantic County Prosecutors Elizabeth Fischer and Christopher D’Esposito said Small and his wife terrorized their daughter. The defense presented 43 character witnesses and evidence to quickly exonerate the mayor. Small rejected all claims and blamed in court his daughter’s personal relationships for family issues.
William Reynolds, Atlantic County prosecutor, disagreed with the verdict but stressed procedural justice. He said the verdict should not deter abuse victims from reporting to authorities. The case received attention due of Small’s extended political role in Atlantic City and the serious claims.
La’Quetta Small, Small’s wife, is also on trial, while Atlantic City principal Constance Days-Chapman is accused of official misconduct for failing to report abuse. These cases have no Days-Chapman trial date.
After his acquittal, Mayor Small can serve as Atlantic City mayor without criminal restrictions. The verdict also shows the challenges of addressing high-profile legal cases in office.
Sources:
Atlantic County Superior Court, Mays Landing, New Jersey
Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office
State of New Jersey Official Legal Records
