Mayor Marty Small with his attorney Jordan Barbone.
Atlantic City's mayor pleaded not guilty to witness tampering in his pending criminal case involving allegations he beat his teenage daughter.
Marty Small and his wife, Superintendent of Schools Dr. La'Quetta Small, are accused of assaulting the teen.
Superintendent Dr. La'Quetta Small with her attorney Michael Schreiber.The allegations include the mayor allegedly beating the 16-year-old girl unconscious with a broom.
The mayor allegedly tried to get the girl to change her story about how she was injured, leading to an indictment for witness tampering.
Small has insisted on his and his wife's innocence, saying this is a family matter that was criminalized due to the power he and his wife have being in charge of millions of dollars in budget money for the city and school district.
Judge Bernard DeLury set tentative dates to hear defense motions in the case, including suppression of certain evidence.
Michael Schreiber, Dr. Small's attorney, indicated he would be in trial during the February dates set by the judge, so that could change.
The brief appearance also was livestreamed.The mayor's attorney issued a statement saying his client is "completely innocent "
"A father who explains to his child the value of being truthful is only 'guilty' of good parenting, not witness tampering," attorney Jordan Barbone wrote.
