Berks County District Attorney John T. Adams on Friday detailed the results of Operation Postal Storm, a multi-agency investigation that dismantled a drug trafficking network tied to large-scale narcotics distribution in the county.
Adams said the case led to the seizure of more than 200 pounds of methamphetamine, 30 kilograms of cocaine, fentanyl, heroin, firearms, and cash — quantities he described as “historic” and “staggering” for Berks County.
“We’ve had significant drug cases over the years, but the amount here and how long this group was operating is unlike anything we’ve seen in recent memory,” Adams said during a press conference at the Berks County Services Center.
According to investigators, the network supplied dealers in Reading and surrounding municipalities, fueling the local drug market. Adams said every step taken to cut off supply makes a difference in Berks communities.
“Every pound of cocaine or methamphetamine we keep off the streets is one less pound in Reading, Exeter, Muhlenberg, or anywhere else in this county,” he said.
The probe began in January 2025, when the Berks County Drug Task Force and Pennsylvania State Police identified suspicious shipments of kilogram quantities of cocaine being sent through the U.S. Postal Service from Puerto Rico to Reading. Investigators also linked members of the organization to significant methamphetamine distribution.
Detectives and troopers worked alongside federal agents, using undercover drug buys, court-authorized wiretaps, and extensive surveillance to build the case. In October, sealed warrants were approved by county and federal judges, allowing for searches at multiple properties across Reading — including homes on Linden, North 12th, North 13th, and South 11th streets, as well as a Penn Street tattoo studio and an auto sales business.
On October 20, 2025, law enforcement teams executed coordinated raids that uncovered bulk quantities of narcotics, twelve firearms, and U.S. currency. Additional warrants were served two days later, extending the scope of the operation.
Adams said the investigation remains ongoing.
Authorities have charged more than a dozen people connected to the case, but several suspects remain wanted. “This investigation is not over,” Adams said. “There are still individuals out there who played a role in flooding Berks County with these drugs, and we are actively pursuing them.”
Defendants Charged
The following individuals were charged with offenses: Kelvin Rodriguez-Diaz, 37, Reading, Jonathan Pagan-Vega, 42, Puerto Rico, Edwin Martinez-Rodriguez, 33, West Lawn, Osvaldo Reyes-Jimenez, 30, Reading, Nelson Rafael Leon, Sr., 56, Reading, Johnny Lopez-Suarez, 39, Reading, Santos Torres-Rodriguez, 49, Reading, Victor Sanchez, Sr., 48, Reading, Henry Massa-Olmeda, 45, Reading, Yessimalie Torres, 39, Temple, Fernando Corona, 42, Reading, Christopher Gottschall, 50, West Lawn, David Serrano, 36, Reading, Andre Pendergrass, Sr., 55, Reading, Andre Pendergrass, Jr., 34, Reading, Jason Greth, 29, Shillington, Melissa Batterson, 46, Reading.
Suspects Still Wanted
Five defendants remain at large: Wesley Santiago, 25, Reading, Emmanuel Rodriguez-Santos, 39, Reading, Abraham Vega-Rodriguez, 40, Reading, Andres Vazquez, 28, Reading, Roberto Sandoval Jimenez, 33, Reading
The operation was conducted with assistance from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, Pennsylvania State Police, Berks County Detectives, and multiple local police departments.
Adams said the results highlight the strength of local and federal partnerships. “This case shows what happens when agencies come together,” he said. “The results speak for themselves.”
While the focus remained on Berks County, Adams said he was interested to learn through the investigation that some of the drugs tied to this case were connected to federal interdictions of cartel shipments entering the U.S. by boat. He noted that this information, developed as part of Operation Postal Storm, shows how local cases can uncover links to broader trafficking operations and highlights the importance of stopping supply before it ever reaches communities like Reading.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Berks County Detectives at 610‑478‑7171. Anonymous tips may also be submitted to Crime Alert Berks County by: Calling 877‑373‑9913, downloading the ALERTBERKS mobile app or sending a text message with ALERTBERKS and the tip to 847411.
