By: Tracie Carter
An Atlantic City man is facing five years in New Jersey State Prison after pleading guilty to charges stemming from an assault and a subsequent drug arrest.
Laquay Phillips, 38, pleaded guilty Wednesday, November 4, to third-degree aggravated assault and third-degree possession of a controlled dangerous substance before Superior Court Judge Christine Smith.
According to authorities, Atlantic City police responded to a reported assault on May 19, 2026, where officers encountered a man with visible injuries.
The victim identified Phillips as the person who assaulted him and told investigators that Phillips had fled before officers arrived.
Police subsequently charged Phillips in connection with the incident.
On June 2, officers received information that Phillips, who was wanted in connection with the assault, was at a specific location in Atlantic City.
Responding officers located Phillips and discovered that he was in possession of cocaine. He was taken into custody and charged.
Under the plea agreement, prosecutors are recommending a combined five-year state prison sentence.
The final sentence will be determined by the court.