By: Tracie Carter
A 32-year-old Galloway man has been sentenced to state prison after pleading guilty in a series of offenses that included drug distribution, eluding police, armed robbery, and illegal firearm possession, according to Atlantic County authorities.
On June 8, Superior Court Judge Donna Taylor sentenced Manuel Alicea to an aggregate six-year prison term subject to the No Early Release Act for second-degree robbery.
He also received a concurrent 10-year sentence with a five-year parole disqualifier for second-degree certain persons not to possess a firearm.
The investigation began on May 17, 2023, when detectives with the Atlantic City Police Department’s Special Investigations Section received information that Alicea was selling narcotics from his vehicle while armed with a handgun.
Detectives located the vehicle and conducted surveillance for approximately 30 minutes, observing what appeared to be multiple hand-to-hand drug transactions.
When officers attempted to stop the vehicle and place Alicea under arrest, authorities said he ignored commands, accelerated his vehicle, struck a police vehicle door, and fled the area while traveling the wrong way on Presbyterian Avenue. A warrant was subsequently issued for his arrest.
Five days later, on May 22, 2023, Atlantic City police located Alicea and took him into custody. Investigators said he was found carrying $120 in cash and multiple wax folds of suspected heroin stamped “BANG MAN” and “People’s Choice.”
Alicea later pleaded guilty to second-degree eluding, third-degree possession of a controlled dangerous substance, and third-degree possession with intent to distribute CDS.
Despite objections from prosecutors, he was released pending sentencing.
While awaiting sentencing, Alicea was charged in a violent robbery that occurred on August 14, 2024, in Atlantic City.
Police said a victim reported being pistol-whipped and robbed of $45, an EBT card, and a cellphone.
The suspect also allegedly attempted to steal the victim’s bicycle. The victim identified Alicea as the assailant, leading to the issuance of another arrest warrant.
On August 26, 2024, officers with the Egg Harbor City Police Department located Alicea aboard a train after receiving information he was wanted for robbery.
Authorities said Alicea fled on foot when approached by officers.
A backpack allegedly abandoned during the pursuit was recovered and found to contain a 9mm Taurus handgun equipped with an extended magazine, hollow-point ammunition, a scale with a white powdery residue, and mail bearing Alicea’s name.
Prosecutors noted that Alicea’s prior drug distribution convictions prohibited him from legally possessing a firearm, resulting in the certain persons weapons charge that contributed to his prison sentence.