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Reading, PA

PA Middle School Social Worker Showed Nude Selfie To 14-Year-Old Student: DA PA Middle School Social Worker Showed Nude Selfie To 14-Year-Old Student: DA
PA Middle School Social Worker Showed Nude Selfie To 14-Year-Old Student: DA A Reading school social worker is accused of showing a 14-year-old student a picture of his genitalia and asking her to send him an explicit photo, Berks County authorities announced on Thursday, Feb. 27. Brenden D. Lindsey, 30, of Reading, was arrested after a child abuse referral to the Berks County District Attorney’s Office sparked an investigation into his alleged misconduct at Central Middle School, prosecutors said. Detectives determined that in January, Lindsey displayed an explicit image on his phone to a student during a private meeting in his office and requested she send him a p…
Registered Sex Offender In PA Caught Sharing Child Porn On Facebook: DA Registered Sex Offender In PA Caught Sharing Child Porn On Facebook: DA
Registered Sex Offender In PA Caught Sharing Child Porn On Facebook: DA A convicted sex offender in Berks County was busted with hundreds of child pornography files, including images and videos he shared on Facebook, authorities announced on Thursday, Feb. 27. Daniel R. Kromer, 60, of Reading, was already a lifetime registered sex offender in Pennsylvania when investigators uncovered his online activity, the Berks County District Attorney’s Office said. Kromer’s criminal history includes convictions for involuntary deviate sexual intercourse and indecent assault, both in December 1999. The charges stemmed from incidents on January 1, 1994, and April 15, 1999, r…
PA Parents Identified In Murder-Suicide That Left Infant Injured PA Parents Identified In Murder-Suicide That Left Infant Injured
PA Parents Identified In Murder-Suicide That Left Infant Injured A man and woman killed in an apparent murder-suicide that left their infant critically injured in Reading have been identified by their families. Jesus Peñaloza Cruz shot Selena Zavala-Hernandes, their two-month-old child, and himself inside a home on the 1200 block of Locust Street, according to authorities. Police responded to the residence on Monday, Feb. 16, after a neighbor reported hearing gunshots. The child was rushed to a Philadelphia hospital and remains in stable but critical condition. Loved ones have launched GoFundMe campaigns to assist with funeral expenses and to transport …
Big Bucks: $1M Winning Lottery Ticket Sold At PA Business Big Bucks: $1M Winning Lottery Ticket Sold At PA Business
Big Bucks: $1M Winning Lottery Ticket Sold At PA Business Someone in Pennsylvania just hit the jackpot—literally! A Jumbo Bucks scratch-Off ticket worth $1 million was sold at an unexpected spot: Berks Beer Distributing Co. in Reading. The lucky ticket was purchased at the distributor, located at 211 South 9th St., Reading, where the celebration is surely brewing. As a bonus for selling the million-dollar winner, Berks Beer will receive a $5,000 reward. Jumbo Bucks is a $10 game that features a top prize of $1 million, proving once again that dreams (and dollars) could just be a scratch away. Scratch-Off prizes expire one year from the game’s…
'Shark Tank' Looking For Next Big Investment In Philly: Here's How You Can Pitch 'Shark Tank' Looking For Next Big Investment In Philly: Here's How You Can Pitch
'Shark Tank' Looking For Next Big Investment In Philly: Here's How You Can Pitch Innovators, it’s time to sink or swim with the Sharks in the Fishtown section of Philadelphia. The hit ABC television show "Shark Tank" will hold an open casting call in Philly on Friday, Apr. 11. The Emmy-winning program will host it at The Event Center at Rivers Philadelphia, in partnership with Philly's ABC affiliate WPVI-TV. This will be the first "Shark Tank" casting call in the city since 2017. "We’re eager to return to Philly after so many years to see how the entrepreneur community has grown," said Mindy Zemrak, the supervising casting producer since the show debuted in 2…
Next Of Kin Sought For Edwin Pacheco, 48, Found Dead In Reading: Coroner Next Of Kin Sought For Edwin Pacheco, 48, Found Dead In Reading: Coroner
Next Of Kin Sought For Edwin Pacheco, 48, Found Dead In Reading: Coroner The Berks County Coroner’s Office is asking for the public’s help in locating a man's next of kin. Edwin D. Pacheco, 48, was found dead in Reading. His body was discovered on Tuesday, Feb. 18, officials said. His last known address was on the 400 block of S. 5th Street in the city. Anyone with information about his family is urged to contact the Berks County Coroner’s Office at 610-478-3280.
Explicit Video Shown To Students, Threatened Teen By Pennsylvania Paraprofessional: DA Explicit Video Shown To Students, Threatened Teen By Pennsylvania Paraprofessional: DA
Explicit Video Shown To Students, Threatened Teen By Pennsylvania Paraprofessional: DA A Reading School District employee showed sexually explicit material to middle school students, inappropriately touched a 13-year-old boy, and threatened another teen, the Berks County District Attorney's Office announced on Wednesday, Jan. 29. Stephanie Quintero-Ochoa, 19, of Reading, was charged with unlawful contact with a minor, indecent exposure, dissemination of explicit sexual material via electronic communication, corruption of minors, and endangering the welfare of children. The investigation began in December 2024 after multiple ChildLine reports alleged that Quintero-Ochoa was en…
PA Dad Used Pen Camera To Record Victims In Bathroom, Sexually Abused Boys: Affidavit PA Dad Used Pen Camera To Record Victims In Bathroom, Sexually Abused Boys: Affidavit
PA Dad Used Pen Camera To Record Victims In Bathroom, Sexually Abused Boys: Affidavit A Harrisburg dad is accused of sexually abusing two boys and secretly recording videos of them and another family member using a hidden pen camera, the Berks County District Attorney’s Office announced on Tuesday, Jan. 28. Kemish A. Soto-Munet, 29, was charged with rape, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, statutory sexual assault, aggravated indecent assault, sexual abuse of children, invasion of privacy, and corruption of minors, according to investigators. **WARNING THE FOLLOWING DETAILS ARE DISTURBING** The investigation began on Sunday, July 28, 2024, with a Childline referral alle…
Next Of Kin Sought For Reading Man Found Dead At Hospital: Coroner Next Of Kin Sought For Reading Man Found Dead At Hospital: Coroner
Next Of Kin Sought For Reading Man Found Dead At Hospital: Coroner The Berks County Coroner’s Office is seeking help locating the next of kin for a Reading man who recently died. Raymond S. Huyett, 67, of the 700 block of N. 6th Street, passed away at Reading Hospital on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, according to the coroner's office. Anyone with information about Huyett's family is urged to contact the Berks County Coroner’s Office at 610-478-3280. No additional details were immediately available. 
Reading Meth, Fentanyl Trafficker Arrested: DA Says Reading Meth, Fentanyl Trafficker Arrested: DA Says
Reading Meth, Fentanyl Trafficker Arrested: DA Says A Reading man was arrested for distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl after a months-long investigation, Berks County authorities announced Friday, Jan. 24. Walter Carrera, 38, of 1219 Windsor Street, was taken into custody when detectives and Pennsylvania State Troopers served a search warrant at his home earlier in the day, Chief County Detective Michael Gombar said. The investigation began in October 2024, with undercover purchases and surveillance identifying Carrera as a distributor, Gombar said. During the search of his residence, detectives seized: Approximately six grams of fen…
Jehovah's Witness Sexually Abused Family Member Under 7 Years Old: PA AG (UPDATE) Jehovah's Witness Sexually Abused Family Member Under 7 Years Old: PA AG (UPDATE)
Jehovah's Witness Sexually Abused Family Member Under 7 Years Old: PA AG (Update) A former Jehovah’s Witness from Butler County has been convicted of sexually assaulting a young family member over several years, beginning when the victim was just seven, Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry announced Friday, Jan. 17. Shaun Sheffer, 45, was found guilty this week of multiple charges, including rape, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, aggravated indecent assault, and corruption of minors, according to the AG's Office. The assaults took place between 1995 and 2000, during which Sheffer had a close relationship with the victim. Authorities said the abuse began wh…
Toddler Killed; Mom And Suspected Drunk Driver Hospitalized: PA State Police Toddler Killed; Mom And Suspected Drunk Driver Hospitalized: PA State Police
Toddler Killed; Mom And Suspected Drunk Driver Hospitalized: PA State Police A toddler was killed and two adults were hospitalized after a DUI crash on Bernville Road (Route 183) in Penn Township, Berks County, early Friday morning, Jan. 3, Pennsylvania State Police said. The crash happened in the northbound lane of the 5900 block of Bernville Road, at 4:59 a.m. on, PA State PoliceReading detailed in a release. A 2017 GMC Savanadriven by 55-year-old Bernard Scherr,  was heading south when he crossed the double yellow line and struck a 2008 Ford Edge head-on, PSP Trooper Joseph Guiliano explained. Scherr's vehicle caught fire after the collision. He had been …
Unique New Year’s Eve Drops And Celebrations Across Pennsylvania: Ring In 2025 Unique New Year’s Eve Drops And Celebrations Across Pennsylvania: Ring In 2025
Unique New Year’s Eve Drops And Celebrations Across Pennsylvania: Ring In 2025 Pennsylvania communities are ready to ring in 2025 with quirky traditions, family-friendly fun, and exciting celebrations—from dropping bologna to raising a Hershey’s Kiss. Here’s a roundup of free and public events happening across the region to welcome the New Year. Adams County Gettysburg Gettysburg started a new tradition a few years back: the raising of Abraham Lincoln’s stovepipe hat to count down to midnight in Lincoln Square. The event, "From Times Square to Gettysburg Square," starts at 4 p.m. with family-friendly activities, including a holiday movie, face painting, balloon animals…
These 64 PA Big Lots Stores Are Among Nearly 1,000 Closing Nationwide: Here's When These 64 PA Big Lots Stores Are Among Nearly 1,000 Closing Nationwide: Here's When
These 64 PA Big Lots Stores Are Among Nearly 1,000 Closing Nationwide: Here's When Big Lots, the popular discount retailer, is officially going out of business. The company, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in September, has announced plans to close all 963 of its remaining stores nationwide, including the remaining 64 locations in Pennsylvania. Big Lots had 73 stores located in the Keystone State when they declared bankruptcy over the summer. More than 6% of all Big Lots were located in the commonwealth, with the most stores located in Texas.  The last day of business is expected to be in mid-February, according to sources familiar with the closures. While offi…
Next Of Kin Sought For Reading Man, 75, Who Died At Hospital: Coroner Next Of Kin Sought For Reading Man, 75, Who Died At Hospital: Coroner
Next Of Kin Sought For Reading Man, 75, Who Died At Hospital: Coroner The Berks County Coroner’s Office is seeking the public's help to locate the family of a Reading man who recently passed away. Camilo R. Rosa, 75, of 835 Franklin Street, died at Penn State Health – St. Joseph Hospital on Friday, Dec. 13, 2024, according to the coroner's office. Anyone with information about Rosa’s relatives is asked to contact the coroner’s office at 610-478-3280. No additional details have been released.
Next Of Kin Sought For Wyomissing Man Found Dead: Coroner's Office Next Of Kin Sought For Wyomissing Man Found Dead: Coroner's Office
Next Of Kin Sought For Wyomissing Man Found Dead: Coroner's Office The next of kin for an 81-year-old man is being sought by the Berk's County Coroner's office , according to a release on Wednesday, Nov. 27.  The 81-year-old Terrence P. Grady was found dead at his home located at 1743 Reading Boulevard, Wyomissing, PA 19610 on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, according to the coroner. Officials say he may have also lived at 1300 Lancaster Avenue, Reading, PA 19607. Anyone with information about Grady's family is urged to contact the Berks County Coroner's Office at 610-478-3280.
CEO Charged With DUI After Stop On Route 222 In Lancaster CEO Charged With DUI After Stop On Route 222 In Lancaster
CEO Charged With DUI After Stop On Route 222 In Lancaster The CEO of Optimum Controls Corporation has been charged with driving under the influence after a traffic stop in Lancaster County, police announced on Saturday, Nov. 23. Michael Galiyano, 76, of Sinking Spring, was pulled over near mile marker 47 on Route 222 North in Denver at approximately 9:38 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 1, according to East Cocalico Township Police. Officers reported that Galiyano appeared impaired, and a breath test revealed a blood alcohol concentration of .187%, more than double the legal limit of .08%. Galiyano leads Optimum Controls Corporation, a Reading-based company t…
Grammy 2025: Taylor Swift, Post Malone Among Nominees With Pennsylvania Connections Grammy 2025: Taylor Swift, Post Malone Among Nominees With Pennsylvania Connections
Grammy 2025: Taylor Swift, Post Malone Among Nominees With Pennsylvania Connections Several artists with ties to Pennsylvania are among the nominees for the 2025 Grammy Awards, announced today, showcasing the state's powerful influence on the music industry. From hometown pop icons like Taylor Swift to collaborations that span genres, Pennsylvania's imprint is undeniable in this year's top categories. The 2025 Grammy nominations, announced Friday, Nov. 8, feature several artists with connections to Pennsylvania. Notably: Taylor Swift, 34: Born in Reading and raised in Wyomissing, Swift has secured multiple nominations, including Album of the Year for "The Tortured Poets D…
All Eyes on Governor Shapiro for Essential ID/A Funding All Eyes on Governor Shapiro for Essential ID/A Funding
All Eyes on Governor Shapiro for Essential ID/A Funding As the dust settles from the 2024 election, Pennsylvania’s leaders must now prepare for the 2025 Legislative Session and the forthcoming Fiscal Year 24/25 budget debate, as families, caregivers, and individuals in the Intellectual Disabilities and Autism (ID/A) community look to Governor Josh Shapiro to champion crucial funding needs. Last year’s budget delivered a historic funding boost for ID/A services, reflecting Governor Shapiro’s deep commitment to this essential community. However, the final enacted budget fell $93 million short of the Governor’s proposed funding—a shortfall that cont…
Next Of Kin Sought For PA Man: Coroner Next Of Kin Sought For PA Man: Coroner
Next Of Kin Sought For PA Man: Coroner The next of kin for a man recently found dead is being searched for by the Berks County Coroners Office according to a release on Tuesday, Nov. 5. Theodore Burkhart, 71, of the 1200 block of Perkiomen Avenue in Reading was found dead in his residence, the coroner said. Any friends or family call the Berks County Coroner’s Office at 610-478-3280 with any information.
First Lady Jill Biden Making Several Stops In PA For Harris Campaign First Lady Jill Biden Making Several Stops In PA For Harris Campaign
First Lady Jill Biden Making Several Stops In PA For Harris Campaign First Lady Jill Biden will be making several campaign stops in Pennsylvania to support Vice President Kamala Harris on Sunday, Nov. 3. The First Lady will be stopping in Bethlehem, King of Prussia, and Harrisburg to "encourage Pennsylvanians to make a plan to vote at iwillvote.com/PA," a news release states. Her first campaign stop will be in Bethlehem at 11 a.m. followed by the King of Prussia event at 1 p.m., according to the news release. The Harrisburg stop is scheduled for 3 p.m.  The exact locations where each event will be held was not released at press time. At around th…
Harris, Trump To Hold Dueling Campaign Events In PA On Eve Of Election Day Harris, Trump To Hold Dueling Campaign Events In PA On Eve Of Election Day
Harris, Trump To Hold Dueling Campaign Events In PA On Eve Of Election Day Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are holding dueling campaign events across Pennsylvania on Monday, Nov. 4. The two presidential candidates will be making stops all over the Keystone State on the eve of Election Day, including Allentown, Reading, Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia. The former president is also expected in Lititz on Sunday morning.  The Harris-Walz Campaign The Harris Campaign is scheduled for a stop in Allentown sometime in the early afternoon, according to a news release. Exact details on the location were not released as of press time. Harris …
Reading Man Busted With Drugs, Guns, 'Numerous Paraphernalia Items': Berks DA Reading Man Busted With Drugs, Guns, 'Numerous Paraphernalia Items': Berks DA
Reading Man Busted With Drugs, Guns, 'Numerous Paraphernalia Items': Berks DA A Reading man targeted in a drug bust was found with guns, various drugs, and numerous items of drug paraphernalia, authorities said. Allah Jamal Johnson, 38, of 1501 Perkiomen Avenue, was arrested outside of his residence on Wednesday, Oct. 23 after authorities executed a search warrant, according to the Berks County District Attorney's Office. An investigation by the Berks County Drug Task Force into Johnson began in August, resulting in a search warrant for his home and his vehicle, a white Buick Regal. During the search, investigators found: One Smith and Wesson 9mm pistol with an ob…
PA Mom Who Googled 'Methods Of Killing' Same Day She Hanged Her Kids Gets 2 Life Sentences PA Mom Who Googled 'Methods Of Killing' Same Day She Hanged Her Kids Gets 2 Life Sentences
PA Mom Who Googled 'Methods Of Killing' Same Day She Hanged Her Kids Gets 2 Life Sentences A Reading mom who Googled "methods of killing" before hanging her two children in her basement has been sentenced to life in prison, the Berks County District Attorney John T. Adams announced on Thursday, Oct. 17.  Lisa Snyder, 41, was found guilty of the following on Tuesday, Sept. 24; 2 counts of First-Degree Murder, 2 counts of Endangering the Welfare of Children, and Tampering with Evidence, the Berks County DA explained in the release. The charges stem from an investigation into the Sept. 2019 death of her 8-year-old son, 4-year-old daughter, and the family…
Sword-Wielding Drug Dealer Convicted PA Murder: DA Sword-Wielding Drug Dealer Convicted PA Murder: DA
Sword-Wielding Drug Dealer Convicted PA Murder: DA A convicted drug dealer is back behind bars again, this time for murdering a man with a sword, the Berks County District Attorney's Office announced on Thursday, Oct. 10. William Smoot, 50, Exeter Township, was convicted of First-Degree Murder and Conspiracy to Commit Murder for stabbing DelCollo multiple times with a sword on Thursday, Oct. 10, according to the Berks County District Attorney's Office. Smoot has been held in the Berks County Prison while awaiting sentencing, the district attorney's office said. A sentencing date was not available at the time of publication. Smoot's accompl…
Fleetwood Teen Dies Days After High-Speed Crash With Tractor-Trailer Fleetwood Teen Dies Days After High-Speed Crash With Tractor-Trailer
Fleetwood Teen Dies Days After High-Speed Crash With Tractor-Trailer A 17-year-old boy from Fleetwood died on Friday, Sept. 20, three days after the car he was a back-seat passenger in struck a tractor-trailer, his family said. "Armani Campos was in a serious car accident when the vehicle he was riding in collided with a tractor-trailer, pinning the car under the trailer and leaving all occupants in critical condition," Levi Yoder, a close family friend, wrote in a GoFundMe campaign. The driver and a second passenger remain in critical condition, but are expected to survive the crash, Yoder told Daily Voice on Tuesday, Sept. 24 when nearly $4,500 had been ra…
Cat 'Mobile' Adorable Adoptions Rolling To Penn State Berks Cat 'Mobile' Adorable Adoptions Rolling To Penn State Berks
Cat 'Mobile' Adorable Adoptions Rolling To Penn State Berks You've heard of the batmobile but have you heard of the cat mobile? Cats and kittens will be available for adoption at the Guts & Glory Digestive and Wellness Expo on Saturday, Sept. 28, the Animal Rescue League of Berks County announced earlier in the week. The mobile cat adoption event will take place on the Perkins Plaza Event Lawn at Penn State Berks, 1801 Broadcasting Road, Reading from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. You can adopt a fur friend or hairline feline but the ARL advises that adoption fees will vary by pet. Potential adopters must go through the rescue league's regular process, whic…
Body Cam Footage Of PA Dad Shot Dead By Police Appears To Contradict DA Body Cam Footage Of PA Dad Shot Dead By Police Appears To Contradict DA
Body Cam Footage Of PA Dad Shot Dead By Police Appears To Contradict DA Graphic body camera footage showing police shooting a Reading father of six dead has been released, and it appears to contradict the DA and police statements.  The family of 50-year-old Damon Scott Stern Sr., also known as DJ Nomad, along with their attorney held a press conference on Thursday, Sept. 19. During the conference they shared videos from the body cameras worn by the two officers called to Stern's home in the 400 block of Windsor Street, Reading at 3:37 a.m. on Monday, March 25. The Air Force Veteran was having suicidal thoughts and was holding a knife, according t…
Man Accused Of Raping 2 Girls At PA Home: DA Man Accused Of Raping 2 Girls At PA Home: DA
Man Accused Of Raping 2 Girls At PA Home: DA A 32-year-old man from Berks County has been arrested in connection with the rape of two girls at a home in Reading, one when she was 11 years old, authorities said on Friday, Sept. 6. Janson G. Paz-Ochoa of Shillington was charged with rape, rape of a child, and multiple other offenses, according to the Berks County District Attorney's Office. He was arrested on Aug. 27 and is due to reappear in court on Sept. 13, court records show. Berks County District Attorney’s detectives received a childline referral on April 12 from the state Department of Human Services which reported that a&n…
PA Dad ID'd After Fatal Motorcycle Crash On I-81: State Police PA Dad ID'd After Fatal Motorcycle Crash On I-81: State Police
PA Dad ID'd After Fatal Motorcycle Crash On I-81: State Police The motorcyclist killed in a crash on Interstate 81 was identified by the Pennsylvania State Police and his family on Monday, Sept. 2. Glen "Jose" Leon Veliz, 38, of Reading, died at the scene of the crash near mile mark 82 on Interstate 81 South in East Hanover Township, Lebanon County at 5:16 p.m., on Saturday, Aug. 31, PSP Jonestown Trooper Jordan Seiler detailed in the release. Traffic was detoured at exit 85 in South Hanover Township, reopening around 9:19 p.m., according to a statement by Pennsylvania Department of Transportation spokesperson Fritzi Schreffler and as Daily Voice previ…
The Top 5 Best Places To Retire Are All In Pennsylvania: Study The Top 5 Best Places To Retire Are All In Pennsylvania: Study
The Top 5 Best Places To Retire Are All In Pennsylvania: Study A new study ranking the best cities to retire has Pennsylvania taking six of the best 10 locales, including all five of the top 5.  Harrisburg is the best place in the country to spend your twilight years, according to US News & World Report. Reading, Lancaster, Scranton, and Allentown ranked second through fifth in the study respectively. Pittsburgh finished 10th, with Philadelphia coming in at 13th.  Researchers used a formula that examined the cost of living, happiness, quality of health care, taxes, and desirability of 150 cities across the country to create the list. They…