Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small, wife maintain innocence amid abuse charges: 'Will be vindicated'
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. - Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small and his wife La’Quetta stand firm that they are "completely innocent" after being accused of physically and emotionally abusing their teenage daughter on several disturbing charges.
"These complaints focus exclusively on private family matters, basically attempting to second guess the parental decisions of Mayor Small and his wife La'Quetta," a statement released by the Smalls' attorney on Tuesday claimed.
The mayor and his superintendent wife are both charged with second-degree endangering the welfare of a child. Marty was also charged with terroristic threats, aggravated assault and simple assault, while La’Quetta was additionally charged with disorderly persons simple assault.
Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small, wife charged with endangering welfare of teen daughter
Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small and his wife are facing disturbing allegations of physical and emotional abuse of their teenage daughter.
The charges stem from several alleged incidents, including Small hitting his daughter in the head with a broom, threatening to "earth slam" her down a flight of stairs, slamming her to the ground, and punching her legs repeatedly.
Small's wife is also accused of abusing the teen girl by punching her in the chest and mouth, and hitting her with a belt several times.
In a criminal complaint, Small's daughter stated, during an argument in December of last year, La’Quetta allegedly put all of her weight on the teen and smacked her multiple times in the face.
In January, the affidavit says Marty Small, during an argument with the girl, allegedly threw her into the shower, slammed her and choked her.
The statement goes on to claim that the complaints prove two points made during an April 1 press conference following the raid of the mayor's family home: the investigation was not about "public corruption or misconduct in office," and that it was a "misguided attempt to micromanage very private and personal family matters."
Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small claims 'no corruption' after raid on family home: 'Nothing to hide'
Atlantic City's mayor, Marty Small, called a press conference Monday to address speculation that arose after his home was searched by law enforcement last week.
Small's attorney confirmed that the mayor would not resign, and that no arrests were made or bail set due to the summons nature of the complaints.
"Mayor Small and Superintendent La'Quetta Small are completely innocent of any wrongdoing and will ultimately be vindicated," the statement concluded.
FOX 29 has attempted to contact NJ Governor Phil Murphy throughout Tuesday to find out if the governor would comment or to see if he will force Small to step down as mayor, to no avail.
The NJ Department of Education replied to FOX 29 stating:
"The New Jersey Department of Education does not comment on ongoing investigations. Please reach out directly to the district for the status of any specific employee."