Firearms Trafficking & Machine Gun Conversion Devices
News Date: Friday, April 24, 2026
NATURE OF INCIDENT: Firearms Trafficking & Machine Gun Conversion Devices
PERSON(S) INVOLVED:
Wilson Rivera
Jateek Santiago
Joanna Vazquez
Javon Richardson
Jonathan Vazquez
(Jonathon Vazquez was charged by the Reading Police Department related to a home invasion robbery that occurred in the City of Reading)
DETAILS OF INCIDENT:
The Berks County Gun Violence Reduction task force Disrupts Firearm “Straw Purchasing” Operation with Multiple Arrests
The Berks County District Attorney’s Office empaneled a task force of law enforcement officers and prosecutors with the goal of reducing gun violence in our community. The task force is led by Detectives from the District Attorney’s office in partnership with the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Pennsylvania State Police, the City of Reading Police Department, Berks County Probation & Parole, and other local law enforcement agencies.
The Berks County Gun Violence Reduction task force takes a comprehensive look into the lifecycle of firearms utilized in crimes and the complex web of gun trafficking. This includes the illegal distribution of firearms and "straw purchasing” which is the act of legally buying firearms on behalf of individuals who are legally prohibited from possessing them.
This multi-agency investigation illustrates how firearms purported to be legally purchased end up in the hands of those committing violence and highlights the Task force's commitment to removing illegal weapons from the streets and holding those who facilitate gun violence accountable.
This investigation originated from an April 2025 incident where a .40 caliber Glock handgun was recovered in the 600 block of Locust Street during the arrest of Elvis Hernandez-Gonzalez, who was charged by the Reading Police Department with attempted homicide. Detectives traced this weapon back to a “straw purchase” operation, leading to the identification of Wilson Rivera.
Wilson Rivera is alleged to have acted as a primary "straw purchaser," bypassing legal safeguards to intentionally funnel firearms into the hands of ineligible individuals and minors. The investigation revealed that Wilson Rivera purchased the weapon recovered from Elvis Hernandez-Gonzalez and then falsely reported it stolen to the Reading Police Department to conceal his involvement.
Furthermore, Rivera conspired with Joanna Vazquez, a convicted felon prohibited from possessing firearms. Joanna Vazquez provided Rivera with cash to purchase a Glock .40 caliber handgun for her 16-year-old juvenile son. As a result of the agreement, Rivera traveled to a Federal Firearms Licensee in Berks County, PA, falsified state and federal background check forms, and purchased a firearm which eventually was illegally transferred to Vazquez and the minor.
On December 4, 2025, Jateek Santiago and two masked accomplices orchestrated a violent home invasion in the 700 block of Franklin Street Reading, PA. Jateek Santiago, a person legally prohibited from possessing a firearm, held a gun to the victim's head and fired a round into the apartment wall before fleeing. Digital forensics intercepted communications revealing that Joanna Vazquez conspired with Jateek Santiago to plan the robbery and provided her vehicle for the getaway. Additionally, during subsequent investigation, it was determined that Joanna Vazquez’s 16-year-old son, the same son Vazquez provided a firearm via Wilson Rivera, was identified as one of Santiago’s accomplices during this robbery.
On February 16, 2026, the danger of Wilson Rivera’s straw purchasing escalated when City of Reading Police Officers arrested 18-year-old Javon Richardson after a foot pursuit. Javon Richardson was found in possession of another Glock handgun that was purchased and illegally trafficked by Wilson Rivera.
Alarmingly, the recovered weapon had been equipped with an illegal auto-sear "switch," which converts the semi-automatic firearm into a fully automatic machine gun. The weapon was loaded with a 29-round extended magazine.
It should be noted that a “switch” on a handgun is an aftermarket accessory that modifies a semi-automatic pistol to fire in fully automatic mode, effectively turning it into a machine gun. Law Enforcement in Berks County have seized numerous firearms that have been converted. These weapons significantly impact our communities and make them more dangerous by amplifying the lethality and unpredictability of gun violence and complicate law enforcement efforts to effect safe seizure and apprehension.
On April 23, 2026, Berks County Detectives apprehended both Joanna Vazquez and her son, Jonathan in Reading, PA without incident. They are both being held pending arraignment.
Jateek Santiago is currently a fugitive and his whereabouts are unknown
Statement from Berks County District Attorney John T. Adams:
“Straw purchasing is a significant driver of gun violence in our communities. We will not tolerate individuals who exploit the legal firearm purchasing systems to arm criminals and fuel violence. These arrests show how the Berks County Gun Violence Reduction Task force is aggressively targeting the illegal supply chain, from the straw purchaser who puts guns into prohibited hands, to the individuals who then use them in criminal activity.
This investigation is a prime example of our initiative to not only focus on current acts of violence but to thoroughly investigate past crimes to determine exactly how these handguns entered our community. The goal is to stop the practice of legal purchasers diverting handguns to the ineligible. This sends a clear message: our office, alongside our law enforcement partners, will relentlessly pursue those who threaten public safety through gun trafficking and drug smuggling.”
Since this investigation involves that act of “straw” purchasing firearms, it falls under the “Brad Fox Law”, that was codified in early 2013 under Pennsylvania Title 18 PA § 6111(h), which may invoke a mandatory minimum of five (5) years’ incarceration after each subsequent “straw” purchase.
As in every criminal case, the fact that an arrest occurred or a criminal complaint has been filed is merely an accusation, and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This is an ongoing investigation. If anyone has information, please contact the Berks County Detectives at 610-478-7171. You can also submit an anonymous tip to Crime Alert Berks County by calling 877-373-9913, downloading the ALERTBERKS app on your mobile device, or via text message by typing ALERTBERKS along with your tip to 847411.
WILSON RIVERA JATEEK SANTIAGO JOANNA VAZQUEZ
JAVON RICHARDSON ELVIS HERNANDEZ-GONZALEZ
PERSON(S) INVOLVED:
- Wilson Rivera (24 years of age): 1100 block N. 13th Street, Reading, PA
- Jateek Santiago (31 years of age): 700 block Franklin Street, Reading, PA
- Joanna Vazquez (41 years of age): 800 block N. 10th Street, Reading, PA
- Javon Richardson (18 years of age): 600 block N. 11th Street, Reading, PA
- Elvis Hernandez-Gonzalez (18 years of age): 600 block Locust Street, Reading, PA
- Jonathan Vazquez (16 years of age): 800 block N. 10th Street, Reading, PA
- Jonathan Vazquez was charged as an adult
Wilson Rivera
- PA § 6111 (g)(4)(ii) – Materially False Written Statement (Sale/Transfer of Firearms)
- PA § 6111 (g)(2) – Penalties for Sales to Ineligible Transferee – 2 counts
- PA § 6110.1 (c) – Possession of a Firearm by a Minor – 2 counts
- PA § 6301 (a)(1) – Corruption of Minors – 2 counts
- PA § 6302 (a) – Sell/Lease Weapons/Explosives to Minors – 2 counts
- PA § 4904 (b) – Unsworn Falsifications – 4 counts
- PA § 4906 (b)(1) – False Reports to Law Enforcement – 1 count
Jateek Santiago
- PA § 3701 (a)(1)(ii) – Robbery – 2 counts (Including Conspiracy)
- PA § 3502 (a)(1) – Burglary – 2 counts (Including Conspiracy)
- PA § 3503 (a)(1)(i) – Criminal Trespass – 2 counts (Including Conspiracy)
- PA § 2701 (a)(1) & (a)(3) – Simple Assault – 2 counts
- PA § 6105 (a)(1) – Persons Not to Possess Firearms
- PA § 7512 (a) – Criminal Use of a Communication Facility
Joanna Vazquez
- PA § 6105 (a)(1) – Possession of a Firearm Prohibited
- PA § 6111 (g)(2) – Sale or Transfer of Firearms to Ineligible Transferee
- PA § 6110.1 (c) – Possession of a Firearm by a Minor
- PA § 6301 (a)(1) – Corruption of Minors – 2 counts
- PA § 4304 (a)(1) – Endangering the Welfare of Children – 2 counts
- PA § 780-113 (a)(30) – Manufacture, Delivery, or Possession with Intent Deliver marijuana
- PA § 780-113 (a)(16) – Intentional Possession of a Controlled Substance
Javon Richardson
- PA § 6106 (a)(1) – Firearms Not to be Carried Without a License
- PA § 908 (a) – Prohibited Offensive Weapons
- PA § 5104 – Resisting Arrest
Jonathan Vazquez
- PA § 3701 (a)(1)(ii) – Robbery – 2 counts (Including Conspiracy)
- PA § 3502 (a)(1) – Burglary – 2 counts (Including Conspiracy)
- PA § 3503 (a)(1)(i) – Criminal Trespass – 2 counts (Including Conspiracy)
- PA § 2701 (a)(1) & (a)(3) – Simple Assault – 2 counts
- PA § 6105 (a)(1) – Persons Not to Possess Firearms
(Jonathon Vazquez was charged by the Reading Police Department related to a home invasion robbery that occurred in the City of Reading)
The Berks County Gun Violence Reduction task force Disrupts Firearm “Straw Purchasing” Operation with Multiple Arrests
The Berks County District Attorney’s Office empaneled a task force of law enforcement officers and prosecutors with the goal of reducing gun violence in our community. The task force is led by Detectives from the District Attorney’s office in partnership with the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Pennsylvania State Police, the City of Reading Police Department, Berks County Probation & Parole, and other local law enforcement agencies.
The Berks County Gun Violence Reduction task force takes a comprehensive look into the lifecycle of firearms utilized in crimes and the complex web of gun trafficking. This includes the illegal distribution of firearms and "straw purchasing” which is the act of legally buying firearms on behalf of individuals who are legally prohibited from possessing them.
This multi-agency investigation illustrates how firearms purported to be legally purchased end up in the hands of those committing violence and highlights the Task force's commitment to removing illegal weapons from the streets and holding those who facilitate gun violence accountable.
This investigation originated from an April 2025 incident where a .40 caliber Glock handgun was recovered in the 600 block of Locust Street during the arrest of Elvis Hernandez-Gonzalez, who was charged by the Reading Police Department with attempted homicide. Detectives traced this weapon back to a “straw purchase” operation, leading to the identification of Wilson Rivera.
Wilson Rivera is alleged to have acted as a primary "straw purchaser," bypassing legal safeguards to intentionally funnel firearms into the hands of ineligible individuals and minors. The investigation revealed that Wilson Rivera purchased the weapon recovered from Elvis Hernandez-Gonzalez and then falsely reported it stolen to the Reading Police Department to conceal his involvement.
Furthermore, Rivera conspired with Joanna Vazquez, a convicted felon prohibited from possessing firearms. Joanna Vazquez provided Rivera with cash to purchase a Glock .40 caliber handgun for her 16-year-old juvenile son. As a result of the agreement, Rivera traveled to a Federal Firearms Licensee in Berks County, PA, falsified state and federal background check forms, and purchased a firearm which eventually was illegally transferred to Vazquez and the minor.
On December 4, 2025, Jateek Santiago and two masked accomplices orchestrated a violent home invasion in the 700 block of Franklin Street Reading, PA. Jateek Santiago, a person legally prohibited from possessing a firearm, held a gun to the victim's head and fired a round into the apartment wall before fleeing. Digital forensics intercepted communications revealing that Joanna Vazquez conspired with Jateek Santiago to plan the robbery and provided her vehicle for the getaway. Additionally, during subsequent investigation, it was determined that Joanna Vazquez’s 16-year-old son, the same son Vazquez provided a firearm via Wilson Rivera, was identified as one of Santiago’s accomplices during this robbery.
On February 16, 2026, the danger of Wilson Rivera’s straw purchasing escalated when City of Reading Police Officers arrested 18-year-old Javon Richardson after a foot pursuit. Javon Richardson was found in possession of another Glock handgun that was purchased and illegally trafficked by Wilson Rivera.
Alarmingly, the recovered weapon had been equipped with an illegal auto-sear "switch," which converts the semi-automatic firearm into a fully automatic machine gun. The weapon was loaded with a 29-round extended magazine.
It should be noted that a “switch” on a handgun is an aftermarket accessory that modifies a semi-automatic pistol to fire in fully automatic mode, effectively turning it into a machine gun. Law Enforcement in Berks County have seized numerous firearms that have been converted. These weapons significantly impact our communities and make them more dangerous by amplifying the lethality and unpredictability of gun violence and complicate law enforcement efforts to effect safe seizure and apprehension.
On April 23, 2026, Berks County Detectives apprehended both Joanna Vazquez and her son, Jonathan in Reading, PA without incident. They are both being held pending arraignment.
Jateek Santiago is currently a fugitive and his whereabouts are unknown
Statement from Berks County District Attorney John T. Adams:
“Straw purchasing is a significant driver of gun violence in our communities. We will not tolerate individuals who exploit the legal firearm purchasing systems to arm criminals and fuel violence. These arrests show how the Berks County Gun Violence Reduction Task force is aggressively targeting the illegal supply chain, from the straw purchaser who puts guns into prohibited hands, to the individuals who then use them in criminal activity.
This investigation is a prime example of our initiative to not only focus on current acts of violence but to thoroughly investigate past crimes to determine exactly how these handguns entered our community. The goal is to stop the practice of legal purchasers diverting handguns to the ineligible. This sends a clear message: our office, alongside our law enforcement partners, will relentlessly pursue those who threaten public safety through gun trafficking and drug smuggling.”
Since this investigation involves that act of “straw” purchasing firearms, it falls under the “Brad Fox Law”, that was codified in early 2013 under Pennsylvania Title 18 PA § 6111(h), which may invoke a mandatory minimum of five (5) years’ incarceration after each subsequent “straw” purchase.
As in every criminal case, the fact that an arrest occurred or a criminal complaint has been filed is merely an accusation, and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This is an ongoing investigation. If anyone has information, please contact the Berks County Detectives at 610-478-7171. You can also submit an anonymous tip to Crime Alert Berks County by calling 877-373-9913, downloading the ALERTBERKS app on your mobile device, or via text message by typing ALERTBERKS along with your tip to 847411.
WILSON RIVERA JATEEK SANTIAGO JOANNA VAZQUEZ
JAVON RICHARDSON ELVIS HERNANDEZ-GONZALEZ