Philadelphia man pleads guilty to eluding police, drug distribution charges in Atlantic City
Officers found cocaine and wax folds that Castro attempted to conceal, and he admitted during his plea that he possessed the drugs with the intent to distribute them.
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A Philadelphia man has pleaded guilty to eluding law enforcement, possession of narcotics with intent to distribute and resisting arrest in connection with separate incidents in Atlantic City, authorities said.
Justice Castro, 22, pleaded guilty Thursday in Superior Court to eluding, possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance and resisting arrest, according to the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office. The plea agreement calls for a recommended sentence of three years in New Jersey State Prison.
Prosecutors said one charge stemmed from a July 3, 2025 incident in which Atlantic City police officers investigating an assault observed Castro with a woman. Castro immediately fled when officers approached.
Authorities said Castro was also arrested after police observed him and three other men distributing drugs from a silver Nissan Altima on Nov. 12, 2025. Officers found cocaine and wax folds that Castro attempted to conceal, and he admitted during his plea that he possessed the drugs with the intent to distribute them.
A separate eluding charge arose from a Nov. 17, 2025 incident when Atlantic City police attempted to stop a stolen vehicle driven by Castro. Instead of stopping, Castro accelerated and drove in a manner that put the public at risk, prosecutors said. He allegedly fled onto the Atlantic City Expressway, where he also failed to stop for New Jersey State Police. The vehicle was later abandoned on the expressway, and Castro’s wallet was found on the driver’s seat. Castro admitted he was driving the stolen vehicle and knowingly eluded police, authorities said.
Sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 7.
