A Reading man is facing felony and misdemeanor charges following an investigation by the Berks County District Attorney’s Gun Violence Reduction Task Force into alleged straw purchases of firearms.
According to the Berks County District Attorney’s Office, Joel Mendoza-Diaz, 26, of the 1500 block of Perkiomen Avenue, was charged after detectives investigated multiple firearm purchases that they allege were made on behalf of another individual.
The investigation began in February 2026 after law enforcement recovered several firearms during unrelated criminal investigations that had been purchased by Mendoza-Diaz. Detectives said they identified a pattern of firearm purchases that prompted a broader investigation.
During an interview with detectives on March 25, 2026, Mendoza-Diaz allegedly admitted to purchasing multiple firearms from federally licensed firearms dealers in Berks County for another person. Investigators allege he falsely indicated on federally required firearm purchase forms that he was the actual buyer of the firearms, despite intending to transfer them to someone else.
According to investigators, Mendoza-Diaz purchased five Glock handguns during three separate transactions at licensed firearm dealers in Berks County between April and July 2025. Detectives allege he later supplied the firearms 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 by materially false written statement, a felony, and unsworn falsification to authorities, a misdemeanor.
The charges were filed June 29 and approved by Magisterial District Judge Steven M. Chieffo. Mendoza-Diaz was processed by the Berks County Sheriff’s Department, bail was set at $50,000, and he was later released after posting bond.
Berks County District Attorney John T. Adams said a straw purchase occurs when someone buys a firearm on behalf of another person while falsely claiming to be the actual purchaser. He said such conduct undermines state and federal firearm laws intended to prevent firearms from being diverted into illegal use.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information related to the case is asked 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 a tip to 847411.
As with all criminal cases, the filing of charges is an accusation, and Mendoza-Diaz is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
