A Reading man is accused of buying multiple handguns from licensed firearms dealers in Berks County on behalf of another individual — alleged straw purchases that authorities said were uncovered when several of the guns turned up in an unrelated criminal investigation.

County detectives on Monday charged Joel Mendoza‑Diaz, 26, with multiple felony counts of making a materially false written statement pertaining to the sale or transfer of firearms. He also faces a misdemeanor count of making a false statement under penalty.

Mendoza‑Diaz of the 1500 block of Perkiomen Avenue remained free following arraignment Monday before District Judge Steven M. Chieffo in Oley Township.

According to a release:

The investigation by the district attorney’s Gun Violence Reduction Task Force began in February after law enforcement noticed several guns recovered in an investigation were originally purchased from federally licensed firearms dealers by Mendoza‑Diaz.

During an interview with detectives in late March, Mendoza‑Diaz admitted buying multiple firearms from gun shops on behalf of another individual.

Investigators said Mendoza‑Diaz falsely represented on federally required purchase forms that he was the actual buyer of the firearms when he allegedly intended to transfer them to another person.

The investigation determined that between April and July 2025, Mendoza‑Diaz purchased five Glock handguns during three  transactions at gun shops.

The task force is led by detectives from District Attorney John T. Adams’ office in partnership with the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, state and Reading police, Berks County Probation and Parole, and other local law enforcement agencies.

In the release, Adams reminded the public that it is illegal for an individual to buy a firearm on behalf of another person while falsely claiming to be the actual purchaser. Straw purchases, he said, undermine state and federal firearm laws designed to prevent firearms from being diverted into illegal use.

The investigation is ongoing, he said.

Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact 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 your tip to 847411.