FIREARMS TRAFFICKING
News Date: Tuesday, June 30, 2026
NATURE OF INCIDENT: Firearms Trafficking
DEFENDANT:
Joel Mendoza-Diaz, age 26
1533 Perkiomen Avenue,
Reading, PA 19601
DETAILS OF INCIDENT:
Detectives with the Berks County District Attorney's Gun Violence Reduction Task Force have charged Joel Mendoza-Diaz, 26, of Reading, following an investigation into multiple alleged straw purchases of firearms in Berks County.
The investigation began in February 2026 after law enforcement recovered several firearms during unrelated criminal investigations that had been purchased by Mendoza-Diaz. Detectives subsequently identified a pattern of firearm purchases that led to the investigation.
During an interview with detectives on March 25, 2026, Mendoza-Diaz admitted to purchasing multiple firearms from federally licensed firearms dealers in Berks County on behalf of another individual. According to the investigation, Mendoza-Diaz falsely represented on federally required firearm purchase forms that he was the actual buyer of the firearms when he allegedly intended to transfer them to another person.
The investigation determined that between April and July 2025, Mendoza-Diaz allegedly purchased a total of five Glock handguns during three separate transactions at licensed firearm dealers in Berks County. Detectives learned that he later supplied them to another individual, constituting illegal straw purchases under Pennsylvania law.
As a result of the investigation, Mendoza-Diaz has been charged with multiple counts of:
Berks County District Attorney John T. Adams reminds the public that a straw purchase occurs when an individual purchases a firearm on behalf of another person while falsely claiming to be the actual purchaser. Such conduct undermines state and federal firearm laws designed to prevent firearms from being diverted into illegal use.
This investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information related to this case 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 mobile app, or by texting ALERTBERKS and your tip to 847411.
As in every criminal case, the filing of criminal charges is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty, beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
DEFENDANT:
Joel Mendoza-Diaz, age 26
1533 Perkiomen Avenue,
Reading, PA 19601
DETAILS OF INCIDENT:
Detectives with the Berks County District Attorney's Gun Violence Reduction Task Force have charged Joel Mendoza-Diaz, 26, of Reading, following an investigation into multiple alleged straw purchases of firearms in Berks County.
The investigation began in February 2026 after law enforcement recovered several firearms during unrelated criminal investigations that had been purchased by Mendoza-Diaz. Detectives subsequently identified a pattern of firearm purchases that led to the investigation.
During an interview with detectives on March 25, 2026, Mendoza-Diaz admitted to purchasing multiple firearms from federally licensed firearms dealers in Berks County on behalf of another individual. According to the investigation, Mendoza-Diaz falsely represented on federally required firearm purchase forms that he was the actual buyer of the firearms when he allegedly intended to transfer them to another person.
The investigation determined that between April and July 2025, Mendoza-Diaz allegedly purchased a total of five Glock handguns during three separate transactions at licensed firearm dealers in Berks County. Detectives learned that he later supplied them to another individual, constituting illegal straw purchases under Pennsylvania law.
As a result of the investigation, Mendoza-Diaz has been charged with multiple counts of:
- Sale or Transfer of Firearms – Materially False Written Statement (Felony)
- Unsworn Falsification to Authorities (Misdemeanor)
Berks County District Attorney John T. Adams reminds the public that a straw purchase occurs when an individual purchases a firearm on behalf of another person while falsely claiming to be the actual purchaser. Such conduct undermines state and federal firearm laws designed to prevent firearms from being diverted into illegal use.
This investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information related to this case 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 mobile app, or by texting ALERTBERKS and your tip to 847411.
As in every criminal case, the filing of criminal charges is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty, beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.