On Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026, Michael Celia, 36, of Sewell, NJ, was sentenced to four years in New Jersey State Prison by the Honorable Pamela D’Arcy, P.J.Cr.
Celia previously pleaded guilty in several cases involving fourth-degree unlawful taking by means of conveyance, third-degree possession of CDS, third-degree burglary, fourth-degree resisting arrest, and third-degree theft of a motor vehicle.
On Sept. 27, 2025, officers of the Atlantic City Police Department were conducting routine patrol when they located an unoccupied stolen motor vehicle. Police were able to obtain surveillance of the surrounding area which depicted Celia as an occupant in the stolen vehicle.
Celia was located and charged accordingly.
On Oct. 15, 2025, officers of the Hamilton Township Police Department detained Celia during an investigation into a shoplifting incident. Celia was found to be in possession of CDS – methamphetamine.
On Oct. 27, 2025, officers of the Atlantic City Police Department were dispatched to Bally’s parking garage for a report of a motor vehicle being broken into. The owner of the vehicle advised that he had parked his vehicle in the garage the day prior and, when he returned, noticed several of his belongings had been stolen. The vehicle burglary was captured on surveillance.
Celia was identified, arrested, and charged accordingly.
On Nov. 1, 2025, officers of the Atlantic City Police Department were dispatched to
Tropicana in reference to a defiant trespasser, Celia, on the property. When Celia noticed the officers, he immediately fled, initiating a foot pursuit. Police pursued Celia down the boardwalk and onto the beach where he was ultimately apprehended.
On Feb. 18, 2026, officers of the Atlantic City Police Department were dispatched to Caesar’s parking garage for a report of a stolen motor vehicle.
The owner of the vehicle advised she had parked her vehicle in the garage the day prior and, when she returned, noticed the vehicle was missing. Police were able to obtain surveillance footage which depicted the suspect pulling on multiple vehicle door handles before ultimately gaining access to, and departing in, the victim’s vehicle. Celia was identified as the suspect, arrested, and charged accordingly.
