A Reading man was taken into custody Friday morning following a narcotics and firearms investigation conducted by the Berks County District Attorney’s Drug Task Force.
According to the Berks County District Attorney’s Office, detectives arrested Angel Benitez, 52, of the 100 block of West Elm Street in Reading after executing search warrants related to the investigation.
Authorities said the investigation began in January 2026 and led to search warrants being obtained for Benitez, his residence at 122 W. Elm St., and his cellular device. At approximately 6:05 a.m. on March 13, members of the Berks County Emergency Response Team executed the warrants. Benitez was located at the residence and taken into custody without incident.
During the search, detectives seized approximately 100 grams of suspected crack cocaine, 23 pre-packaged bags of suspected marijuana, and drug paraphernalia including packaging materials and several digital scales. Investigators also recovered more than $500 in cash.
In addition to the suspected narcotics, detectives seized a .40 caliber Glock handgun equipped with an installed “switch,” an illegal machine gun conversion device that allows a semi-automatic firearm to fire multiple rounds with a single pull of the trigger. Police also recovered an extended ammunition magazine and additional ammunition.
Authorities estimate the street value of the seized narcotics at approximately $10,115.
Benitez faces multiple charges including persons not to possess firearms, altering or obliterating marks of identification, receiving stolen property, possession with intent to deliver, prohibited offensive weapons, possession of cocaine and marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Benitez was awaiting processing and arraignment before a magisterial district judge, according to officials.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Berks County Detectives at 610-478-7171. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Crime Alert Berks County by calling 877-373-9913, using the ALERTBERKS app, or by texting ALERTBERKS and the tip to 847411.
As with all criminal cases, the filing of charges is an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
