By: Richard L. Smith
An Atlantic City man has been sentenced to four years in New Jersey State Prison after pleading guilty to joyriding and multiple drug offenses, according to the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office.
Giovannie Belle, also known as “Decourcey Belle,” 37, of Atlantic City, was sentenced on June 11 by Judge Pamela D’Arcy to four years in state prison for fourth-degree joyriding and two counts of third-degree possession of a controlled dangerous substance.
Belle was also sentenced for violating probation, with all sentences ordered to run concurrently.
According to authorities, on August 10, 2025, officers from the Galloway Township Police Department responded to the Country View Inn and Suites after receiving a report of a stolen vehicle.
The victim told police he had allowed an unknown man to borrow his vehicle to go to a nearby store, but the man never returned.
The victim provided officers with descriptions of both the suspect and the vehicle. Shortly afterward, police located the vehicle near the hotel and found Belle standing nearby. He was taken into custody without incident.
In a separate incident on August 30, 2025, officers with the New Jersey Transit Police Department observed Belle riding a bicycle near the Atlantic City Bus Terminal.
Police attempted to stop him for questioning related to an unrelated investigation, but Belle fled despite commands to stop.
Following a foot pursuit, officers apprehended him near The Boards AC motel and found him in possession of fentanyl.
Authorities said Belle was again arrested on December 10, 2025, after Atlantic City Police responded to a shoplifting complaint at a Circle K store.
After reviewing surveillance footage and obtaining a suspect description, officers located Belle a short distance away at the Atlantic City Bus Terminal. During the encounter, police found him in possession of fentanyl.
Belle is now serving his sentence in New Jersey State Prison.