Officers Charge Two in Arcade Theft Investigation

On Sunday, June 24, 2018, Ocean City police were dispatched to an arcade in the area of Worcester Street and the Boardwalk for a report of a theft from an arcade game. Surveillance footage from earlier that day showed the suspects breaking into and stealing up to $500 in quarters from an enclosed arcade game. This also caused approximately $500 in damage to the game.

Through investigation, officers learned that the suspects had conducted two additional thefts similar in nature the morning of June 24 at two arcades in Rehoboth Beach, DE. Additionally, officers learned that the suspects committed four thefts similar in nature in Pennsylvania on June 26. In coordination with several other law enforcement agencies, officers identified two of the three adult suspects as Elysia R. Botwin, 42, and Michael Citelli, 48, of New Port Ritchie, FL.

Citelli has been charged with theft of $100 to less than $1,500, conspiracy to commit theft of $100 to less than $1,500 and malicious destruction of property less than $1,500. Botwin has been charged with theft of $100 to less than $1,500 and conspiracy to commit theft of $100 to less than $1,500. Neither suspect has been captured at this time.

If you have any information on the whereabouts of Botwin and Citelli or are able to identify the third suspect, please contact the Ocean City Police Department’s Crime Tips Hotline at 410-520-5136 or leave an anonymous tip at oceancitymd.gov/police.

Suspect currently unidentified

Elysia R. Botwin

Michael Citelli