Four Handguns Recovered, Three Arrested During Investigation

The Atlantic City Police Department concluded a narcotics investigation resulting in the arrest of three men and recovery of four guns and drugs.

On October 18, 2023, detectives of the Special Investigations Section along with the Atlantic City SWAT Team executed two residential search warrants resulting from an ongoing narcotics investigation.  The warrants were for residences in the 2400 block of Auburn Terrace and the first block of north Laclede Avenue.  The execution of these warrants led to a search of a third residence in the 2400 block of Arctic Avenue. 

Detectives arrested William Cisneros, Juan Mendoza, and Alex Rojas-Pelaez as part of the investigation.  During the search of the three residences, detective recovered four handguns, parts of a ghost gun, 10 grams of cocaine, 108 grams of marijuana, oxycodone, ammunition, cash, and paraphernalia used to package narcotics for distribution.  One of the located firearms was found to be stolen from Richmond, Virginia.

The investigation was led by Detective Christopher Dodson.

ARRESTED:  William Cisneros, 20, of Atlantic City.

CHARGES:  Unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of hollow-point ammunition, possession of a weapon while committing a CDS offense, possession of CDS with intent to distribute, money laundering, and possession of CDS paraphernalia.

ARRESTED:  Juan Mendoza, 19, of Atlantic City.

CHARGES:  Unlawful possession of a weapon (three counts), possession of ghost gun parts, possession of a large capacity magazine, possession of hollow-point ammunition, possession of a weapon while committing a CDS offense, possession of CDS with intent to distribute, possession of CDS with intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a school zone, money laundering, receiving stolen property, and possession of CDS paraphernalia.

ARRESTED:  Alex Rojas-Pelaez, 25, of Atlantic City.

CHARGES:  Possession of CDS (two counts), possession of CDS with intent to distribute (two counts), possession of CDS with intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a school zone (two counts), and possession of CDS paraphernalia.

All three men were remanded to the Atlantic County Justice Facility.  The public is reminded that charges are mere allegations, and the accused is 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 submit a text anonymously to tip411 (847411).  Begin the text with ACPD.