Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small and his wife LaQuetta have been charged with child endangerment and assault related to incidents involving their 16-year-old daughter. The affidavit filed by the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office alleges that the parents physically and verbally abused their daughter in December and January. The girl claimed to have been hit with a broom, punched, and dragged by her mother, while her father threatened to throw her down a staircase. The affidavit includes recordings of interactions between the girl and her parents, as well as messages sent to friends asking for help.
The mayor’s lawyer has stated that Marty Small and LaQuetta Small are innocent of any wrongdoing and will be vindicated. He defended the accusations as focusing on private family matters and attempting to question parental decisions. The lawyer emphasized that the Smalls have a close and loving family and that the mayor intends to continue serving in office. The affidavit quotes the girl as saying her parents disapproved of her boyfriend, which may have led to tension in the family.
The affidavit includes transcripts of dialogue between the Smalls and their daughter, recorded without the parents’ knowledge. The conversations reveal instances of threats and abuse towards the girl, as well as her pleas for help. The girl expressed fear and discomfort in the recorded interactions, with references to physical violence and emotional distress. Messages sent by the girl to friends further highlight her feelings of being unsafe at home and the alleged abuse she endured at the hands of her parents.
Despite initial reports of the abuse, the affidavit also includes claims from the girl stating that she fabricated the allegations against her parents. During an interview with investigators, she recanted her previous statements and denied being physically assaulted. She attributed her earlier claims to anger over not being allowed to meet friends at a restaurant. The conflicting statements from the girl raise questions about the validity of the accusations against the Smalls, who maintain their innocence in the face of the charges.
The case involving Mayor Marty Small and his wife LaQuetta has generated significant attention in Atlantic City, with the community and authorities closely following developments. The allegations of child endangerment and assault against the prominent couple have raised concerns about family dynamics and parental responsibilities. As the legal proceedings move forward, the Smalls will have the opportunity to present their side of the story and defend themselves against the charges. The impact of the case on the family, the mayor’s position, and the community remains to be seen as more details emerge.
The initial court date scheduled for May 15 will mark the beginning of legal proceedings in the case, where the evidence and testimonies will be presented. The outcome of the trial will determine the accountability of Mayor Marty Small and LaQuetta Small regarding the allegations of abuse towards their daughter. The community and constituents of Atlantic City will be monitoring the case closely, as it reflects on the leadership and integrity of their elected officials. The legal process will seek to establish the truth behind the claims of child endangerment and assault, shedding light on the complexities of family relationships and the dynamics of power and control within households.
