Published on: October 22, 2024, 10:41h.
Last updated on: October 22, 2024, 10:42h.
Atlantic City’s Democratic Mayor Marty Small Sr. and his wife La’Quetta Small have both pleaded not guilty to child endangerment charges brought against them by a grand jury last month. The couple, prominent figures in the casino town, are facing serious allegations.
The allegations include physical and mental abuse of their teenage daughter. Mayor Marty Small Sr., aged 50, is accused of physically assaulting his daughter with a broomstick on multiple occasions and pushing her down a flight of stairs.
Mrs. Small, aged 47 and the superintendent of Atlantic City Public Schools, is accused of punching the adolescent in the chest, causing bruises. Prosecutors claim to have video evidence from a boyfriend who recorded conversations with the Smalls’ daughter describing a tumultuous home environment.
One video reportedly captures the mayor threatening, “Don’t make me hurt you!”
The high-profile status of Marty and La’Quetta has drawn attention to this investigation, delving into personal family matters. Their attorney, Ed Jacobs, believes that parenting challenges should not be construed as criminal activities and is confident in the innocence of both Marty and La’Quetta.
If found guilty, the Smalls could face significant jail time and fines of up to $150,000.
AC Corruption
The mayor’s charges are the latest controversy rocking the Atlantic City government. Despite the legal challenges, Small remains in his role as he contests the accusations, which include assault, making terroristic threats, and child endangerment by the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s office. WPG Talk Radio has shed light on potential ethical breaches.
Recently, Mayor Small appointed Bruce Weekes to his administration after Weekes resigned from the Atlantic City Council. The Democrat-led Council has three nominees to fill Weekes’ vacancy, each recommended by Atlantic City Democratic Committee President Constance Days Chapman.
Chapman is also implicated in the child endangerment case involving the Smalls. She, the suspended principal of Atlantic City High School, allegedly failed to report the abuse inflicted on the Smalls’ daughter after it was brought to the school’s attention.
Instead of following mandated protocols, Chapman supposedly only disclosed the abuse claims to her friends – the Smalls.
Council regulations stipulate that when a councilor steps down, the party’s president nominates three potential replacements. Given that four councilors support the Smalls, they may align with the mayor’s choice for the vacant position.
Among the candidates proposed by Chapman is her husband, Lapell Chapman, who serves as the assistant principal of Pleasantville High School.
The political landscape of Atlantic City is marred by such controversies, reflecting a concerning state of affairs,” remarked Harry Hurley, a former Atlantic City casino executive and native of the city.
State Remains in Charge
Much of Atlantic City’s governance is still under state oversight, a situation that has persisted for years. Back in 2016, the Democratic Legislature and Republican Gov. Chris Christie assumed control to address issues of excessive spending, high taxes, and inadequate governance in the seaside resort town.
Mayor Small’s responsibilities revolve around appointing department heads with input from the City Council. He also appoints members to various boards and commissions, alongside providing budget recommendations and reports to the state annually.
In conclusion…