Man Pleads Guilty in Shooting Outside Pub in Atlantic City

Gloucester County resident faces over a decade in prison for attempted murder and drug charges.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 5:39pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a spent shell casing or bullet fragment, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.The aftermath of a violent shooting incident outside a popular Atlantic City pub serves as a sobering reminder of the ongoing challenges in combating gun crime in the city.Atlantic City Today

A 35-year-old man from West Deptford, New Jersey has pleaded guilty to attempted murder, weapons, and drug charges related to a 2024 shooting incident outside The Chelsea Pub in Atlantic City. Prosecutors will recommend a 13-year prison sentence for Rockwell Pohlig as part of the plea deal.

Why it matters

Gun violence and drug crimes continue to be major issues in Atlantic City, with the city's proximity to major highways making it a hub for illicit activities. This case highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to crack down on violent crime and drug trafficking in the area.

The details

Pohlig admitted to attempting to kill a victim, identified as "N.R.", by shooting him outside The Chelsea Pub in Atlantic City on October 12, 2024. He turned himself in to authorities several days later and also confessed to bringing over one ounce of synthetic cannabinoid into the Atlantic County Justice Facility with the intent to distribute it to other inmates.

  • Shooting incident occurred on October 12, 2024.
  • Pohlig turned himself in to authorities several days after the shooting.
  • Pohlig pleaded guilty on March 31, 2026.
  • Sentencing is scheduled for June 9, 2026.

The players

Rockwell Pohlig

A 35-year-old resident of West Deptford, New Jersey who pleaded guilty to attempted murder, weapons, and drug charges related to a 2024 shooting incident in Atlantic City.

N.R.

The victim of the attempted murder by Rockwell Pohlig outside The Chelsea Pub in Atlantic City.

The Chelsea Pub

A popular bar in Atlantic City, New Jersey where the shooting incident took place in 2024.

Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office

The office that is prosecuting the case against Rockwell Pohlig and will recommend a 13-year prison sentence as part of the plea deal.

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What’s next

Sentencing for Rockwell Pohlig is scheduled for June 9, 2026, where he is expected to receive a 13-year prison sentence as part of the plea deal.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges that law enforcement in Atlantic City face in combating violent crime and drug trafficking, and the importance of holding offenders accountable through the criminal justice system.