Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small refuses to resign after indictment

Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small has publicly stated that he will not resign following his indictment on child abuse charges. The indictment, announced by the Atlantic County prosecutor's office, includes allegations of physical and emotional abuse against his teenage daughter, occurring multiple times over the past few months. Small and his wife, La'Quetta Small, face serious charges, including second-degree endangering the welfare of a child, third-degree terroristic threats, and third-degree aggravated assault. In a press conference, Small emphasized that the legal issues are personal and unrelated to his duties as mayor. He expressed confidence in his ability to continue serving the city, asserting that the situation does not distract him from his responsibilities. Small also mentioned that he anticipated the indictment and is eager to present his side of the story. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy's office has commented on the situation, suggesting that Small should reflect on his capacity to effectively govern amid such serious allegations. However, Small interpreted the governor's statement as not demanding his resignation but rather encouraging self-reflection. Despite the serious nature of the charges, Small claims that his daughter is thriving academically and remains in a safe home environment. He has defended his family's integrity, asserting that they are innocent of the charges and that his daughter has not been placed in any facility, countering any negative public perceptions.