Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr. is facing more legal trouble as the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office added a witness tampering charge to the existing child endangerment case against him. The mayor and his wife, Dr. La’Quetta Small, were initially indicted on second-degree child endangerment charges, along with other allegations of terroristic threats and aggravated assault.
The recent development in the case involves accusations that Mayor Small asked his daughter to lie about how she sustained a head injury, leading to the witness tampering charge. The prosecutors claim that Small pressured his daughter to change her statement to the authorities regarding the incident.
The previous allegations included instances of physical abuse, such as hitting his daughter with a broomstick, making verbal threats, and causing bruises by punching her legs. The Smalls have maintained their innocence and pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Their attorney, Ed Jacobs, has dismissed the latest charge as part of a smear campaign orchestrated by the county prosecutor’s office. Jacobs argues that encouraging a child to be truthful is not witness tampering but rather responsible parenting.
The potential consequences of a guilty verdict for the Smalls could lead to significant changes in Atlantic City’s governance and the public school district, where Dr. Small serves as the superintendent. The case has also implicated Atlantic City High School Principal Constance Days-Chapman, who is facing charges related to official misconduct and child endangerment for failing to report the abuse allegations to the authorities.
The involvement of key figures in the local government and school district has raised concerns about transparency and accountability in the community. The impact of the case extends beyond the legal implications for the individuals involved and could have lasting effects on the institutions they represent.
As the legal proceedings continue, the residents of Atlantic City are closely watching how the case unfolds and what it means for the future of their community. The importance of upholding the law and protecting the welfare of children is at the forefront of this complex and evolving situation.