In his first public comments since indictment along with his wife for allegedly endangering their teenage daughter, Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr. was defiant Wednesday, and said he looked forward to his day in court to tell his side of the case.

As NJBIZ reported, Mayor Small, 50, and his wife, La’Quetta Small, 47, the superintendent of the city’s public schools, were both indicted on charges of second-degree endangering the welfare of a child. Additionally, the mayor was also indicted for third-degree terroristic threats and third-degree aggravated assault, the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office announced Sept. 18.

In graphic detail, prosecutors alleged that between December 2023 and this past January, the defendants physically and emotionally abused their 15/16-year-old daughter on multiple occasions.

Small held a brief gaggle with reporters Wednesday before a City Council meeting.

He was first asked about the initial reaction – legally and emotionally – to the indictment for his family.

“We had no reaction. It was something that was expected and it’s the next step in the process,” the mayor said. “We are actually happy that it’s finally moving forward and we could tell our side of the story.”

Not stepping down

Earlier in the day, Gov. Phil Murphy’s office issued a statement about the situation.

“While Mayor Small is entitled to due process under the law, given the seriousness of these criminal charges, Governor Murphy believes that Mayor Small should consider whether he can continue effectively serving the people of Atlantic City as Mayor,” Murphy’s press secretary, Natalie Hamilton, told NJBIZ.

Small was then asked about that.

“I’ve got all the love and respect in the world for the governor – the governor has a job to do. The governor clearly didn’t say I should step down. He said that I should consider it,” said Small. “But let me let the public and everyone else know – when my house was raided, I came back on the job to work. The day that I was charged, I went and got my lunch and came back to work. I’m here at work today. I challenge anyone with my record as mayor of the Great City of Atlantic City.”

Getting things done

He pointed to different programs and initiatives achieved since the investigation ratcheted up.

“So, clearly, it’s not a distraction,” Small stressed. “Clearly, we’re doing a great job. We got all the love, respect, and support from the people of Atlantic City, which matters. I’m not worried about the outsiders. The people and the voters of Atlantic City Wards 1 through 6, wholeheartedly, support me and my family during this time.

“And I want to make it clear – this has nothing to do with my job as mayor of the Great City of Atlantic City,” Small continued. “This is a personal family matter – just as I’m sure you’ve had personal family matters that never got out. But because I’m who I am and my wife is who she is, it got out. It’s politics – and I’m going to just leave it at that. And me and Mr. Jacobs (attorney Ed Jacobs) will have a lot to say moving forward – and more importantly, to a courtroom, and subsequently, a jury.”

Video courtesy of Fox 29 Philadelphia:

When pressed about whether he could continue as mayor given this indictment, Small pushed back again.

“What’s the difference between an indictment and the charge? We’ve been charged since April,” said Small, reiterating recent programs and work around the city. “Have I skipped a beat?”

“Listen, the ultimate measure of man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience – but where he stands in times of challenges and controversy,” the mayor said. “And we’re standing.”

Due process

When asked about how quickly this case would be resolved, Small said he plans to follow the court process that will play out.

“We aren’t getting any special treatment. We’re going to follow the process,” he said. “And now, it’s our time to tell our story.”

“What is the story?” a reporter asked.

“When we get into the courtroom, you will see the story,” said Small. He added he would be ready to go to trial whenever, wherever — even quipping that he was ready to go to trial right now. “It’s not the story that they’re telling. And I’m not going to say any more than that regarding the case.”

When asked, the mayor stressed that his daughter was fine and that his family has completed full services of counseling, therapy and more.

“And I’m going to keep what we are dealing with as a family – as this should have been kept, as a family,” said Small.

He noted his daughter has thrived academically through all of this.

“And more importantly, my daughter is in a safe environment at home, which is the key,” said Small. “And it’s always been in a safe environment at home. Let me just clear some things up – my daughter has been with us throughout her entire life. She stays at the house that we own. So, she hasn’t been anywhere. She hasn’t moved. She’s not in a facility. So, let’s the set the record straight on that. And that’s all I have to say regarding my daughter.”

The Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.