ANGEL BENITEZ

 

NATURE OF INCIDENT:   Drug & Firearms Violations

DEFENDANT:                  Angel Benitez (age 52)
122 West Elm Street, PA  19601

CHARGES:
1. Persons Not to Possess Firearms
2. Altering or Obliterating Marks of Identification
3. Receiving Stolen Property
4. Possession with Intent to Deliver
5. Prohibited Offensive Weapons
6. Possession of Cocaine & Marijuana
7. Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

DETAILS OF INCIDENT:
The Berks County Drug Task Force has concluded a narcotics and firearms investigation in the City of Reading. The investigation, which began in January of 2026, culminated in the District Attorney’s Drug Task Force obtaining search warrants for the person of Angel Benitez, his residence at 122 West Elm Street, and his cellular device.

On Friday, March 13, 2026, at approximately 6:05 AM, the Berks County Emergency Response Team executed the search warrants. Angel Benitez was located at the scene and taken into custody without incident.

As a result of the search, detectives seized the following evidence:

• 100 grams of suspected crack cocaine
• 23 pre-packaged bags of suspect marijuana
• Drug paraphernalia, including packaging materials for cocaine and marijuana
• A .40 caliber Glock handgun equipped with an installed "switch"
• An extended ammunition magazine and additional ammunition
• Several digital scales
• Over $500.00 in U.S. Currency

The estimated street value of the seized narcotics is approximately $10,115.00.

During the operation, detectives recovered a "switch," an extremely dangerous device designed to bypass the safety mechanics of a semi-automatic firearm. Also known as a machine gun conversion device, this illegal attachment allows a handgun to fire multiple rounds with a single pull of the trigger, effectively turning it into a fully automatic weapon. These devices pose an extreme threat to public safety and law enforcement; because the rapid-fire rate makes the firearm incredibly difficult to control, "switches" often lead to stray bullets and unintended casualties, capable of turning a targeted incident into a mass-casualty event in seconds.






Angel Benitez is currently awaiting processing and arraignment by a Magisterial District Judge.

As in every criminal case, the fact that an arrest occurred or a complaint has been filed is merely an accusation; all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.

This is an ongoing investigation. 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, using the ALERTBERKS app, or by texting ALERTBERKS and the tip to 847411.