From Political Scandals to Atlantic City Casinos: The Trial of Mayor Marty Small and His Wife

The Marty Small trial is casting a shadow over the Atlantic City casinos and local economy amid rising legal tensions. As legal tensions rise in the boardwalk district, the scrutiny surrounding Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small and his wife, Dr. La’Quetta Small, threatens to cast a shadow over the local economy and the vibrant atmosphere of Atlantic City casinos. The couple is currently facing a high-profile trial involving serious child endangerment allegations, with accusations centering on claims of physical abuse directed towards their teenage daughter.

Details of the Allegations

The allegations against Mayor Small are severe. Reports indicate that he allegedly struck his daughter in the head multiple times with a broomstick, leading to her losing consciousness. The Small family has publicly denied all allegations, asserting their innocence.

Court Proceedings

On a recent morning, the Smalls attended a court hearing via Zoom, where Judge Bernard DeLury reset their final pretrial conference for May 2, 2025. The trial is projected to formally commence on May 14, 2025. During this session, their attorneys motioned to have certain pieces of evidence suppressed and requested that Judge DeLury step down from the case due to his prior involvement in authorizing search warrants for the Small residence. However, both requests were denied.

Background on Mayor Small

Marty Small has served as the mayor of Atlantic City since his appointment in October 2019, following Frank Gilliam’s resignation over a scandal involving the theft of $86,000 from a nonprofit. Small successfully secured a full term during the November 2021 elections.

As the mayor, he plays a significant role in the governance of this renowned casino town, though his authority is diminished due to New Jersey state control, which has been in place since 2010.

Specific Abuse Allegations

The Smalls are accused of engaging in a pattern of physical and verbal abuse against their daughter. Allegations include:

• Throwing the teen down a flight of stairs
• Punching her in the chest
• Striking her with a broomstick, causing unconsciousness
• Dragging her by the hair
• Making threats of physical violence

Prosecutors in Atlantic County claim they possess both audio and video evidence, with portions of the alleged abuse documented during video calls made by the daughter’s boyfriend.

Charges Against the Mayor

In addition to the child endangerment allegations, Mayor Small faces charges of witness tampering. Prosecutors assert that he attempted to influence his daughter’s testimony, allegedly urging her to alter her account of the events.

If convicted of the charges—including third-degree terroristic threats and aggravated assault—Small could confront significant penalties, including substantial prison time and financial penalties totaling up to $150,000.

Political Implications

Regardless of the outcome, these allegations may severely impact Small’s chances for re-election in the upcoming November 2025 elections. He faces challenges from within his party, notably from former Unite Here Local 54 President Bob McDevitt, who has announced his candidacy as a Democrat.

McDevitt, who led the union for nearly three decades before his retirement in March 2023 due to health issues, claims to have fully recovered. Since 1990, Atlantic City has experienced a predominantly Democratic governance, with only one Republican mayor, Don Guardian, serving from 2014 to 2017.

Conclusion

The upcoming trial will serve as a significant event not only in the Small family’s life but also in the political landscape of Atlantic City. The severity of the allegations against Mayor Small raises questions about accountability and leadership in the community. As the trial date approaches, it is crucial to observe how these events will unfold and their implications for future elections in this iconic casino town.