NEWS ALERT
For Immediate Release: March 4, 2023

On March 2, 2023, two separate motor vehicle stops resulted in the arrest of two men, the recovery of narcotics from one stop, and the recovery of two rifles from the other.

At 8:46 PM, Officer Giselle Garcia conducted a motor vehicle stop in the 200 block of north South Carolina Avenue after observing a motor vehicle infraction. Officer Jesse Oliver-Logan and his K9 partner Gee were summoned to the scene. Gee, a canine trained in the detection of narcotics, ultimately gave a positive indication of the presence of narcotics in the vehicle. The passenger of the vehicle, Semaj Poteat, and the driver were both removed from the vehicle for investigative purposes. Poteat was subsequently found to be in possession of approximately 54 grams of suspected crack cocaine, 6 grams of suspected heroin, and $730 in US currency believed to be proceeds of illegal narcotics sales. Poteat was taken into custody without incident. The driver of the vehicle was issued a motor vehicle summons and sent on his way.

ARRESTED: Semaj Poteat, 22, of Lawrenceville, GA.

CHARGES: Possession of CDS (two counts), possession of CDS with the intent to distribute (two counts), and possession of CDS paraphernalia.

Poteat was released on a summons pending a future court date.

At 11:27 PM, Officer Ivaylo Penchev conducted a motor vehicle stop in the 1500 block of Atlantic Avenue after previously observing the vehicle commit several motor vehicle violations. It was also determined that the license of the registered owner of the vehicle was suspended. Penchev made contact with the driver of the vehicle, Joshua Ceasar, who exited the vehicle, became uncooperative and attempted to walk away from the stop. Officer Penchev was subsequently able to detain Ceasar in furtherance of the investigation.

Officer Jesse Oliver-Logan and his K9 partner Gee were again summoned to the scene. Gee ultimately gave a positive indication of the presence of narcotics in the vehicle leading to a subsequent search of the vehicle. Located in the vehicle were numerous plastic baggies commonly used in the packaging and distribution of narcotics. Officers also located two Springfield Armory M1 rifles and a large-capacity magazine loaded with .308 ammunition. Ceasar, a person who is prohibited from possessing a firearm, was taken into custody without incident.

ARRESTED: Joshua Ceasar, 33, of Egg Harbor Township, NJ.

CHARGES: 2 counts of unlawful possession of a weapon (rifle), possession of a high-capacity magazine, certain persons not to possess weapons, and possession of CDS paraphernalia and numerous traffic summonses.

Ceasar was remanded to the Atlantic County Justice Facility. The public is reminded that charges are mere allegations, and the accused are considered innocent until proven guilty.

Anyone with information about the distribution of narcotics is urged to contact the Atlantic City Police Department Special Investigations Section at 609-347-5858 or text anonymously to tip411 (847411). Begin the text with ACPD.

Atlantic City PBA Local #24