Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr. faces a new witness tampering charge in addition to previous child endangerment allegations, according to the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office.

The mayor and his wife, Dr. La'Quetta Small, Atlantic City Public Schools superintendent, were initially indicted in September on second-degree child endangerment charges. The mayor also faced charges of terroristic threats and aggravated assault.

Prosecutors allege several incidents of abuse against their teenage daughter, including:

• Hitting her with a broomstick causing unconsciousness (January 13, 2024)
• Threatening to throw her down stairs (January 3, 2024)
• Punching her legs, leaving bruises
• Subsequently asking her to lie about a head injury (new witness tampering charge)

The Smalls' attorney, Ed Jacobs, dismisses the witness tampering charge as "sheer nonsense," stating the mayor only encouraged his daughter to be truthful with investigators.

The case also involves Atlantic City High School Principal Constance Days-Chapman, who faces eight counts including official misconduct and child endangerment. Prosecutors claim she failed to report the abuse to authorities after learning about it, instead only informing the Smalls.

If convicted, the Smalls each face:

• 5-10 years in prison
• Up to $150,000 in fines
• Removal from their respective positions in city government and school administration

The couple has pleaded not guilty to all charges. The case continues to develop as both Atlantic City's government and school district leadership hang in the balance.

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