By: Jeff Sommes
A 22-year-old Philadelphia man has pleaded guilty to multiple criminal charges stemming from separate incidents in Atlantic City, according to authorities.
Justice Castro, of Philadelphia, entered guilty pleas on Thursday, June 11, before the Honorable Dorothy Incarvito-Garrabrant, J.S.C., to second-degree eluding, third-degree possession of a controlled dangerous substance with intent to distribute, and fourth-degree resisting arrest.
Prosecutors said the plea agreement calls for a recommended sentence of three years in New Jersey State Prison.
According to information released by authorities, the charges stem from a series of encounters with Atlantic City police during 2025.
On July 3, 2025, officers reportedly witnessed an assault in progress and approached Castro and a female involved in the incident.
Authorities said Castro immediately fled from officers, leading to the resisting arrest charge.
In a separate incident on November 12, 2025, Atlantic City police observed Castro allegedly working alongside three other men to distribute narcotics from a silver Nissan Altima.
Investigators said a search uncovered a bag of cocaine and multiple wax folds that Castro attempted to hide in his groin area.
During his plea hearing, Castro admitted he possessed the drugs with the intent to distribute them.
Five days later, on November 17, 2025, police attempted to stop a stolen vehicle being driven by Castro. Instead of pulling over, authorities said he sped away, driving recklessly and creating a substantial risk to the public.
The pursuit continued onto the Atlantic City Expressway, where prosecutors said Castro also ignored attempts by the New Jersey State Police to stop him.
The vehicle was later abandoned on the expressway. Investigators said Castro’s wallet was discovered on the driver’s seat, linking him to the vehicle.
During his plea, Castro admitted he was driving the stolen vehicle and knowingly fled from law enforcement officers attempting to conduct a traffic stop.