State rests in AC mayor's child abuse trial; defense to begin Friday

Thursday, December 11, 2025
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (WPVI) -- The state rested after testimony wrapped Thursday afternoon in the trial of Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr.

He made no comments on his way out of court.

Small is accused of beating his daughter with a broom in January 2024. He's also accused of terroristic threats and witness tampering.

The final witness on Thursday afternoon was Dr. Stephanie Lanese, a pediatrician specializing in child abuse. She examined the mayor's daughter in 2024, about a month after she was in the hospital.

READ MORE | Atlantic City mayor, school superintendent wife charged with abusing teen daughter

Photos of injuries were shown, including bruises and red marks on the girls' arms, legs and chest.



Lanese said based on those photos she diagnosed the marks as non-accidental inflicted trauma, despite the teen telling her she tripped and fell in her bedroom.

Defense attorneys questioned the nature of the marks, insinuating that they could have been caused by other activities, including a recent fight at school.

His daughter allegedly told investigators her parents beat her on multiple occasions.

Prosecutors called Small's daughter to the stand earlier this week.



Defense attorneys for Small say he was concerned over the teen's relationship with her boyfriend, calling it teenage rebellion.

Small's wife, LaQuetta Small, is also charged. She is the superintendent of Atlantic City Public Schools. She is being tried separately, beginning in January.

Defense will call witnesses on Friday. They have a list of 16 witnesses they plan to call.

Small's defense attorney said in opening arguments that he is prepared to take the stand.
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