Atlantic City Mayor Acquitted in High-Profile Child Abuse Trial

Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr. was found not guilty on Thursday. The verdict came after a week-long trial in New Jersey. He had been accused of assaulting and endangering his teenage daughter.

The jury’s decision clears the mayor of all charges. This ends a significant legal battle for the reelected Democrat. His wife, however, still faces separate abuse charges.

Daughter’s Testimony Contradicted by Father’s Defense

The prosecution’s case centered on the daughter’s testimony. She is now 17 years old. She told the court about multiple alleged incidents of abuse from when she was 15 to 16.

She described being hit, punched, and struck with a broom. One incident allegedly caused her to lose consciousness. According to Reuters, she testified this happened after an argument about attending a city event.

Mayor Small took the stand to deny all allegations. His defense attorney argued the daughter’s accounts were inconsistent. He suggested her injuries came from a fall during a struggle.

Verdict’s Impact on City and Pending Family Case

Outside the courthouse, Mayor Small called the verdict a win. He stated the entire city had been on trial. He expressed a desire to repair his relationship with his daughter.

The legal saga is not fully over. The mayor’s wife, La’Quetta Small, is scheduled for trial in January. She is the superintendent of Atlantic City’s schools and has pleaded not guilty.

A school principal is also charged in the case. She is accused of failing to report the abuse claims. Her trial will proceed separately as well.

The acquittal of Atlantic City’s mayor closes one chapter of a painful family and public drama. This legal outcome allows Mayor Marty Small to continue his leadership role without a criminal record. The community now watches as the remaining cases move forward.

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Q1: What was Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small accused of?

He was accused of child endangerment and assault. The charges stemmed from allegations he abused his teenage daughter. Prosecutors said the abuse occurred over a period of a year.

Q2: What did the jury decide?

The jury acquitted Mayor Small on all charges. They found him not guilty after a week of testimony. The verdict was delivered on a Thursday afternoon.

Q3: What happens next in this case?

Mayor Small’s wife faces a separate trial beginning in January. A local high school principal also faces charges for allegedly not reporting the abuse. Their cases will proceed independently.

Q4: How did Mayor Small react to the verdict?

He called it a victory for everyone and said the city was on trial. He denied ever being an abusive man. He also expressed hope for mending his relationship with his daughter.