A Reading man was arrested Wednesday morning following a multi-agency drug investigation centered on illegal drug activity along the Penn Street corridor, according to the Berks County District Attorney’s Office and local police.
Investigators with the Reading Police Department began investigating suspected drug sales in the 800 block of Penn Street in November 2025. During the investigation, police identified Antone Beam, 28, as a suspect and determined that he resided at 203 Poplar Drive in St. Lawrence Borough.
As part of the investigation, police obtained a search warrant for Beam’s residence and his person. The warrant was issued by Magisterial District Judge Steven M. Chieffo.
Shortly after 6 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 14, members of the Berks County District Attorney’s Drug Task Force, the Central Berks Regional Police Department, the Reading Police Department, and the Berks County Emergency Response Team served the search warrant at the residence. Beam was found inside the home and taken into custody.
During the search, investigators recovered approximately 175 grams of crack cocaine, 50 OxyContin pills, a Phoenix Arms .22-caliber pistol, $3,102 in U.S. currency, and packaging and processing materials related to the sale of crack cocaine. Authorities estimated the street value of the seized drugs at approximately $18,000.
Beam was transported to the Berks County Sheriff’s processing department and is awaiting preliminary arraignment. He has been charged with possession with intent to deliver cocaine, possession of cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and persons not to possess firearms.
As in every criminal case, the charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Reading Police Department at 610-655-6116 or Berks County Detectives at 610-478-7171. Anonymous tips may also be submitted through Crime Alert Berks County by calling 877-373-9913, using the ALERTBERKS mobile app, or by texting ALERTBERKS along with a tip to 847411.
