Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small testifies in child abuse trial: 'I did not abuse my daughter'
Atlantic City mayor's emotional trial testimony
Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small took the stand on Friday in his trial in which he is facing accusations of child abuse involving his teenage daughter.
MAYS LANDING, N.J. - Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small took the stand Friday in his trial, facing serious accusations of child abuse involving his teenage daughter.
Mayor Small testifies about his relationship with his daughter
What we know:
Mayor Small tearfully described his once-close relationship with his daughter, saying they were inseparable for the first 15 years of her life.
"Everywhere I would go, Jada was with me. We were inseparable. She meant the world to me and I would do anything to protect her," said Small.
The mayor shared his humble beginnings with the jury, emphasizing his and his wife's desire to provide their children with everything they could dream of.
Mayor Small addresses allegations and daughter's boyfriend
What they're saying:
During his testimony, Small claimed that his daughter's behavior changed after she met her boyfriend.
He stated that he discovered concerning text messages from the boyfriend and approached him, saying, "I said to him in a non-threatening manner, just as any parent would, the next time I see or hear you calling my daughter [expletives] you will never talk to her again."
Small accused the boyfriend of being mentally, emotionally, and physically abusive toward his daughter.
He also claimed to have found sexually explicit conversations and videos on her phone.
The mayor denied ever physically harming his daughter and demonstrated to the jury what happened during a fight involving a broom.
"I did not hit – I repeat – I did not hit my daughter with a broom," said Small.
Timeline:
Trial Day 1
Atlantic City mayor's child abuse trial begins
Opening statements begin in the trial of Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small, who is accused of abusing his teenage daughter.
Trial Day 2
Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small's daughter testifies in abuse trial
The trial of Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small continues with his daughter taking the stand on Tuesday.
Trial Day 3
Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small's trial day 3: Hospital staff testifies
The child abuse trial of Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small continues on day three, with testimony shedding light on serious allegations against him.
FOX 29 was not present in court for day four of the trial, which occurred Thursday, December 11.
What we don't know:
The outcome of the trial and whether Mayor Small will be acquitted or found guilty of the charges remains uncertain.
The Source: Information from the Atlantic County Criminal Court.