Atlantic City Mayor Faces Trial Amid Re-Election Bid

Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr. plans to run for re-election, but he’s set to go to trial next month on accusations of molesting his teenage daughter, which might hinder his ability to take office.

The Democratic Party in the city is currently grappling with a challenge from Republican Naeem Khan, a local businessman who claims he’s running because “it’s too bad” in Atlantic City, as stated on his campaign site.

If Small wins, which many expect, he would be sworn in during a court session on December 1. This comes before he officially takes office in January, while facing serious abuse charges.

Small and his wife, La Quetta, who is a school superintendent in Newark, are due to appear in court regarding multiple incidents captured on video, showing them allegedly beating and choking their 16-year-old daughter, at times rendering her unconscious.

One disturbing incident reported in December 2023 allegedly involved Small knocking his daughter out cold with a broom, belt, and his fists while she was on a video call with her boyfriend, something her parents disapproved of.

“Please don’t hurt me!” Small purportedly yells in one clip.

Another recorded event on January 7, 2024, allegedly shows La Quetta strangling her daughter and striking her in the mouth, as outlined in court documents.

Both parents face charges of child endangerment and simple assault against a disabled person, with Small Sr. also facing charges of making terroristic threats and aggravated assault.

Authorities raided their home on April 2, 2024, confiscating the mayor’s cell phone and laptop in the process.

If found guilty, Small could face up to 10 years in prison and would be unable to serve as mayor, leading the City Council to appoint an acting mayor until a special election occurs.

Interestingly, both Small and the superintendent have pleaded not guilty.

In August, Small turned down a plea deal that would have kept him out of prison but would have prevented him from running for re-election, according to reports.

Small was previously acquitted of voter fraud during his unsuccessful 2009 mayoral campaign and faced similar acquittals in 2006.

The mayor’s office has not commented on these developments.