Sewell man pleads guilty in string of Atlantic County crimes
The charges stem from several incidents investigated by law enforcement agencies in Atlantic County
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A Sewell man pleaded guilty Thursday to multiple charges stemming from a series of incidents in Atlantic County, including vehicle theft, burglary, drug possession and resisting arrest.
Michael Celia, 36, entered guilty pleas on Aug. 6 to fourth-degree unlawful taking of a means of conveyance, third-degree possession of a controlled dangerous substance, third-degree burglary, fourth-degree resisting arrest and third-degree theft of a motor vehicle.
Under the plea agreement, Celia is expected to receive an aggregate sentence of four years in New Jersey State Prison. He is scheduled to be sentenced Oct. 1.
The charges stem from several incidents investigated by law enforcement agencies in Atlantic County between September 2025 and February 2026.
On Sept. 27, 2025, Atlantic City police officers conducting routine patrol located an unoccupied stolen vehicle. Surveillance footage from the surrounding area showed Celia as an occupant of the vehicle, prosecutors said. He was later located and charged.
Less than a month later, on Oct. 15, 2025, Hamilton Township police detained Celia while investigating a shoplifting incident. Authorities said he was found in possession of methamphetamine.
On Oct. 27, 2025, Atlantic City police responded to Bally's parking garage after a vehicle owner reported that belongings had been stolen from a vehicle parked there overnight. Surveillance footage captured the burglary, and police identified Celia as the suspect before arresting and charging him, according to prosecutors.
A few days later, on Nov. 1, 2025, Atlantic City police were called to Tropicana regarding a defiant trespasser identified as Celia. Prosecutors said Celia fled when he saw officers, leading police on a foot chase along the boardwalk and onto the beach before he was apprehended.
The final case involved a stolen vehicle reported Feb. 18, 2026, at Caesars parking garage in Atlantic City. The vehicle owner told police she had parked the car the previous day and returned to find it missing. Surveillance footage showed a suspect trying multiple vehicle door handles before gaining access to and driving away in the victim's vehicle, prosecutors said. Investigators later identified Celia as the suspect and arrested him.
Celia remains scheduled for sentencing Oct. 1.
