By: Richard L. Smith 
A Gloucester County man has admitted to a series of crimes committed in Atlantic and Atlantic County communities over several months, including motor vehicle theft, burglary, drug possession, and resisting arrest.
According to a statement released by prosecutors, Michael Celia, 36, of Sewell, pleaded guilty on Thursday, August 6, before Superior Court Judge Pamela D’Arcy to fourth-degree unlawful taking of a means of conveyance, third-degree possession of a controlled dangerous substance, third-degree burglary, fourth-degree resisting arrest, and third-degree motor vehicle theft.
Under the negotiated plea agreement, Celia is expected to receive an aggregate sentence of four years in New Jersey State Prison.
The charges stem from multiple incidents investigated by the Atlantic City Police Department and the Hamilton Township Police Department between September 2025 and February 2026.
Authorities said the first incident occurred on September 27, 2025, when Atlantic City police located an unoccupied stolen vehicle while on routine patrol.
Surveillance footage from the area identified Celia as an occupant of the stolen vehicle, leading to his arrest.
Less than three weeks later, on October 15, 2025, Hamilton Township police detained Celia during a shoplifting investigation and discovered he was in possession of methamphetamine.
On October 27, 2025, Atlantic City police responded to Bally’s parking garage after a vehicle owner reported that personal belongings had been stolen from a car left overnight.
Investigators reviewed surveillance footage and identified Celia as the suspect, resulting in additional charges.
Just days later, on November 1, 2025, officers responded to Tropicana Casino regarding a reported trespasser identified as Celia.
Police said he fled upon seeing officers, triggering a foot pursuit that continued along the Boardwalk and onto the beach before he was taken into custody.
The final incident occurred on February 18, 2026, when Atlantic City police investigated the theft of a vehicle from Caesars parking garage.
Surveillance video allegedly showed the suspect checking multiple vehicle door handles before entering and driving away in the victim’s vehicle. Investigators identified Celia as the suspect, leading to his arrest on additional charges.