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Galloway Twp. Resident Pleads Guilty to Animal Cruelty & Pointing a Firearm

Michael Ciarla, 28, pleaded guilty to third-degree animal cruelty and fourth-degree aggravated assault by pointing a firearm.

Michael Ciarla

On August 24, 2023, Michael Ciarla, 28, of Galloway Township pleaded guilty to third-degree animal cruelty and fourth-degree aggravated assault by pointing a firearm.

The charges stem from two different incidents. His plea calls for 365 days without parole in state prison for the aggravated assault and three years in state prison for the animal cruelty offense.

The sentences will run consecutive to each other.

Ciarla was charged with animal cruelty after a cat with numerous broken bones was brought to the Absecon Veterinary Hospital on November 15, 2021. The cat, which belonged to Ciarla’s girlfriend, had to be humanely euthanized as all of its limbs were broken beyond repair or treatment.

Ciarla admitted in his plea that he intentionally slammed the door on the cat multiple times.

A month earlier, on October 20, 2021, Ciarla was charged with aggravated assault after brandishing a .177 caliber BB gun, which was a replica of a .44 caliber revolver handgun, at a man in Absecon.

Ciarla placed the gun directly to the back of the victim’s head and cocked the gun after the victim tried to walk away from Ciarla. Ciarla then fled the scene but was later apprehended after a standoff with police.

Sentencing Date

Sentencing is scheduled for October 19, 2023 before the Honorable Bernard E. DeLury, Jr., P.J.Cr.

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*Post has been updated.