FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date:         Wednesday, January 14, 2026
Contact:    Chief County Detective Michael J. Gombar
                  mgombar@berkspa.gov
 

NATURE OF INCIDENT:   Drug Investigation

DEFENDANT:     Antone Beam (28 years of age)
                               203 Polar Drive
       Reading, (St. Lawrence Borough), PA 19606


CHARGES: 
Possession with the Intent to Cocaine
Possession of Cocaine
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Persons Not to Possess Firearms

DETAILS OF INCIDENT:

In November of 2025, the Reading Police Department initiated a drug investigation regarding illegal drug sales occurring in the 800 block of Penn Street, Reading, Berks County, PA.  During the investigation, criminal investigators identified the suspect as Antone Beam, 203 Poplar Drive, St. Lawence Borough, Reading, PA. 19606. 
As a result of the investigation, they obtained a search warrant for the suspect’s residence and his body.   The search warrant was issued by Magisterial District Justice Steven M. Chieffo.

This morning, January 14, 2026, members of the Berks County District Attorney’s Drug Task Force (Reading Police Department, Central Berks Police Department) and the Berks County Emergency Team served the search warrant.  Found and arrested inside the residence was Antone Beam.  During the search of the residence the following evidentiary items were seized:
 

• Approximately 175 grams of crack cocaine
• 50 OxyContin Pills
• Phoenix Arms, .22 Pistol
• $3102.00 in U.S. Currency
• Miscellaneous packaging and processing materials related to the sales of crack cocaine

The approximate street value of the illegal controlled substances was valued at $18,000.

Antone Beam was transported to the Berks County Sheriffs Processing Department for processing, and he is currently awaiting preliminary arraignment.

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

This is an ongoing investigation.  If anyone has information, please contact the Reading Police Department at 610-655-6116 and the Berks County Detectives at 610-478-7171. Anonymous tips can also be submitted 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.