Atlantic City Leader Found Not Guilty on All Charges
Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr. was acquitted Thursday by a jury on all counts in a high-profile child abuse and endangerment case that drew national attention. The verdict concludes a week of intense courtroom testimony over allegations involving his teenage daughter, but leaves unresolved legal matters for others connected to the case.
Small, 51, faced serious accusations that included physically striking his daughter and placing her in danger during her mid-teens. Prosecutors detailed multiple alleged incidents, including claims she was hit hard enough to lose consciousness — assertions Small vigorously denied throughout the proceedings.
Jury Deliberation and Testimony Highlights
During the trial, the now-17-year-old daughter testified about her experiences, outlining multiple moments she said constituted abuse. The defense countered these claims by presenting evidence and testimony suggesting the events were misinterpreted or were typical disciplinary conflicts within a family setting.
Testifying in his own defense, Small maintained he never abused his daughter and described himself as a devoted father. He argued that disagreements were family matters, not criminal behavior, and that physical discipline was taken out of context
Separate Trials Ahead for Co-Defendants
While the mayor was cleared, related legal actions are still unfolding:
- La’Quetta Small, the mayor’s wife and superintendent of Atlantic City’s school district, is charged separately with related offenses and is scheduled to stand trial next month.
- A third individual, the suspended principal of Atlantic City High School, also faces accusations for allegedly failing to report suspected abuse claims.
Mayor Small described the verdict as a chance to move forward, expressing a desire to rebuild his family relationships and continue serving the city. Despite the controversy, he won reelection just weeks before the trial began, reflecting strong local support.
