FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NATURE OF INCIDENT: Illegal drug trafficking & gambling
DEFENDANTS: 

1. Joel Elivo (56 years of age), of the 100 block of Peach Street, Reading, PA 
2. Junior Garcia-Rincon (28 years of age), of the 300 block of North Front Street, Reading, PA

CHARGES:

• Delivery of a Controlled Substance (Cocaine)
• Possession with the Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance
• Possession of a Controlled Substance
• Criminal Conspiracy

DETAILS OF INCIDENT:
Detectives from the Berks County District Attorney’s Drug Task Force, in conjunction with the Pennsylvania State Police and Reading Police Department, concluded a multi-stage undercover narcotics investigation targeting a large-scale cocaine trafficking operation centered around a social and gambling club in the City of Reading.
The investigation identified Joel Elivo as the manager of a social club and gambling establishment, located in the 300 block of N. 9th Street, Reading, PA, which served as a primary meeting location and distribution point for bulk illegal narcotics trafficking. Detectives determined that Junior Garcia-Rincon operated as a source of supply of bulk cocaine for this network.
During the investigation, it was determined that not only was this establishment operating illegally as a gambling venue but also served as an illegal “after-hours” location and was a magnet for violent crime.
On September 9, 2026, Berks County Common Pleas Judge Honorable J. Benjamin Nevius, authorized multiple search warrants at various locations in the City of Reading, including:

• 316 N. 9^th Street Reading, PA (social club)
• A residence in the 100 block of Peach Street, Reading, PA

The search warrants were served on September 10, 2026, by law enforcement officers from the contributing agencies. Both Joel Elivo and Junior Garcia-Rincon were placed into custody without incident, and the following items of evidence were seized:

• one (1) kilogram of cocaine – estimated street value $100,000.00
• approximately $20,000.00 in cash

The defendants were transported to the Berks County Sheriff’s Central Processing Center where they were photographed and fingerprinted. They were arraigned by MDJ Tonya Butler, and bail was set at $500,000.00 each.

Statement from Berks County District Attorney John T. Adams “Illegal gambling houses and unlicensed “after-hours” clubs are not harmless neighborhood gathering spots but are unregulated hubs that invite broader illicit activity that destabilize our communities and neighborhoods. These locations frequently serve as fronts for criminal enterprises and as demonstrated in this investigation, some of these places serve as fronts for illegal drug trafficking and attract violence.  For too long, gambling operations have attempted to hide under the guise of private social clubs while operating outside the law. Our office, in close coordination with state and local law enforcement partners, remain committed to shutting down these illegal establishments and dismantling the illicit networks running inside them. This enforcement action sends a message: if you run an illegal gambling den or use an after-hours club to push illegal drugs in Berks County, we will shut down your operation, seize your illicit proceeds, and hold you fully accountable under the law”

As with every criminal prosecution, 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.

This is an ongoing investigation. If anyone has information, please contact the Berks County Detectives at 610-478-7171. They can also submit an anonymous tip to Crime Alert Berks County by either calling 877-373-9913, downloading the ALERTBERKS app on their mobile device, or via text message by typing ALERTBERKS along with their tip to 847411. 

  
Junior Garica-Rincon                            Joel Elivo