On Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026, Michael Ciarla, 33, from Pleasantville, NJ, pleaded guilty to third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, fourth-degree contempt, and second-degree eluding in front of the Honorable Joseph Levin, J.S.C. The plea calls for a sentence of five years in New Jersey State Prison.
On March 4, 2026, Galloway Township Police Department officers responded to the TD bank in reference to a report of criminal mischief. Upon arrival, police met with the victim, who observed her ex-boyfriend, Ciarla, slashing her tires in the parking lot with a knife. Ciarla fled the scene prior to police arrival. A court order was entered prohibiting Ciarla from contacting the victim.
On May 7, 2026, Atlantic City Police Department officers responded to the area of 3701 Sunset Avenue in response to a domestic altercation with the same victim. Witnesses on scene reported seeing Ciarla striking the victim in the face inside of a car before getting out of the car and smashing the rear windshield with an object. Ciarla fled the scene prior to police arrival.
On May 12, 2026, Brigantine Police Department officers observed Ciarla driving in the area of Atlantic Brigantine Boulevard and discovered he had a warrant out for his arrest. Police turned on their lights and sirens in attempt to pull over Ciarla. In response, Ciarla fled police, driving at a speed over 100 miles per hour, over double the speed limit on Atlantic Brigantine Boulevard.
Officers from the Atlantic City Police Department located Ciarla at Caesars shortly thereafter. He was arrested and subsequently detained following a detention hearing. Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 1, 2026.
Assistant Prosecutor Brooke Melissa Hoffner represents the State in this matter.
