Jury selection has begun in the trial of Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small, who, along with his wife, is accused of physically and emotionally abusing their teenage daughter.
Trial Details
- Jury selection started.
- The trial was originally scheduled for Monday but was moved to Tuesday, December 2, because of the judge’s schedule.
Charges Against Mayor Marty Small
Marty Small, a 51‑year‑old Democrat, is charged with:
- Second‑degree endangering the welfare of a child
- Third‑degree terroristic threats
- Third‑degree aggravated assault
- Disorderly persons simple assault
Wife’s Upcoming Trial
La’Quetta Small, 48, superintendent of the Atlantic City Public School system, will be tried later on:
- Second‑degree endangering the welfare of a child
- Disorderly persons simple assault
Prosecutors’ Offer and Legal Consequences
- The state has offered Small a plea deal on the third‑degree aggravated assault charge.
- By law, a conviction of a third‑degree or higher crime in New Jersey requires forfeiture of public office.
Prosecutors’ Demand for La’Quetta Small
- Prosecutors are seeking a five‑year prison sentence for the school superintendent, according to an official who told NBC10.
Allegations of Abuse
- The Smalls were charged last year after prosecutors claimed, during December 2023 and January 2024, that they physically and emotionally abused their teen daughter on multiple occasions.
- Prosecutors said the mayor repeatedly struck his daughter’s head with a broom until she blacked out and punched her legs.
- The wife allegedly dragged the teen by her hair, punched her in the chest and face, and struck her with a belt.
Root Cause of the Conflict
Court documents indicate the Smalls’ disapproval of their daughter’s boyfriend was the root of the conflict.
Key Takeaways
- Jury selection has begun for Mayor Marty Small’s trial.
- A plea deal on aggravated assault is on the table.
- La’Quetta Small faces a separate trial and a potential five‑year sentence.
The case highlights serious allegations of abuse involving a sitting mayor and his wife, with legal and political ramifications pending the outcomes of both trials.
