Berks County DA

Berks County District Attorney John T. Adams

[Berks County DA @BerksDA]

Jeremiah Santiago was convicted by a jury today of 3rd Degree Murder and related charges for the August 2023 shooting of Tina Grier in Reading. Santiago remains incarcerated pending sentencing. Case investigated by @ReadingPolice1 Sgt. Ryan Crampsie; tried by ADA Kevin Howard.

[Berks County DA @BerksDA]

Steven Najarian was sentenced last week to Life in Prison, f/b 7-20yrs, after he was convicted by a jury of 2 cts of Trafficking, Witness Intimidation, IDSI, Corruption and Indecent Assault. Cases investigated by @wyopd Det. Klatt; tried by ADA McCallum https://t.co/g39q8aqDKw

[Berks County DA @BerksDA]

"Berks DA: Keep hemp loophole closed [opinion]" https://t.co/2Xbo3U3FvX

[Berks County DA @BerksDA]

2/2
Sentencing is scheduled for June 25, 2026. The case was investigated through the Berks County Gun Task Force by Cpl. Darren Smith of the Berks County Detectives, and was tried by ADA Jordan Fegley.

[Berks County DA @BerksDA]

Andrew Smith was convicted by a jury today of Persons Not to Possess, Poss of F/A w/ Obliterated SN, RSP & Conspiracy. Smith is prohibited from possessing a gun due to prior convictions, including Involuntary Manslaughter for the death of @ReadingPolice1 Off. Mike Wise in 2004.

[Berks County DA @BerksDA]

Homicide Arrest
Kevin Canaan, 28, and Tavarez-Cepeda, 25, were charged and arrested yesterday for Criminal Homicide, Aggravated Assault, and EWOC for the death of their newborn son. For more information, read our full press release at:
https://t.co/US1V2mAa6m

[Berks County DA @BerksDA]

Officials, law enforcement meet to address violence in Berks https://t.co/9e04hbVThv

[Berks County DA @BerksDA]

David Hartsook was sentenced this week to Life in Prison, followed by 21-47 years for the murder of Troy Rickenbach.

[Berks County DA @BerksDA]

David Hartsook was convicted by a jury today of 1st Degree Murder and related offenses for the August 2022 murder of Troy Rickenbach. Sentencing is scheduled for March 23rd. Case investigated by @PAStatePolice Trooper Eric Schaeffer and tried by ADA K. Kenneth Brown, II.

[Berks County DA @BerksDA]

Vashon Winfield and Hector Torres were each sentenced this morning to Life in Prison, f/b 20-40 yrs, for the March 2023 kidnapping and shooting death of 19-year-old Javien Perch. Case investigated by @ReadingPolice1 Sgt. McKeever; tried by ADAs Kaitlin Daley and Charles Prutzman.

[Berks County DA @BerksDA]

Gun violence task force makes series of arrests related to firearms straw purchases
https://t.co/azz2rZlfHb

[Berks County DA @BerksDA]

Case was investigated by Berks County Detective David Lehman and @ReadingPolice1 CI Katelyn Super. The case was prosecuted by ADA Charles Prutzman.

[Berks County DA @BerksDA]

Jose Rodriguez was sentenced today to 3 consecutive sentences of Life in Prison, after pleading guilty to 3 counts of 1st Degree Murder. In September 2025, Rodriguez murdered Junior Cabrera-Colon, his girlfriend Geraldina Peguero-Mancebo, and her 1 year old son Jeydon.

[Berks County DA @BerksDA]

Driver charged in crash that killed 2 Berks firefighters [Update] https://t.co/oUIT9dwlXr

[Berks County DA @BerksDA]

NEW SCAM ALERT:
Scammers are creating fake arrest warrants and documentation regarding missed court appearances. The new documentation instructs victims to use bitcoin kiosks to resolve warrants. Whether over the phone or at a kiosk, law enforcement will not ask you for bitcoin.

[PDAA @PennsylvaniaDAs]

“Police departments face the real possibility of being outgunned on our streets by criminals using weapons converted to fully automatic machine guns,” says @BerksDA John Adams. “It’s a public safety emergency that we must address.” Learn more: https://t.co/2NaJfG9LtO

[Berks County DA @BerksDA]

.@PAStatePolice

[Berks County DA @BerksDA]

2/2 Scammers are pressuring the victims into sending a payment electronically, such as Bitcoin. Berks Co law enforcement will NEVER call to demand money or payment over the phone. If you receive a suspicious call, hang up immediately and never give any personal or financial info.

[Berks County DA @BerksDA]

Once again, @BerksDA is warning the public of ongoing scams involving callers impersonating Deputy Sheriffs (using the names of actual deputies), telling victims that they missed jury duty or court. Please share this information w/ relatives who may be vulnerable to these schemes

[Berks County DA @BerksDA]

Nyjee Jefferson was sentenced today to Life in Prison, followed by 25 to 50 years, for the murders of Jose Ventura-Jimenez Alejandro Drullar.

[Berks County DA @BerksDA]

Nyjee Jefferson was convicted by a jury today of 1st Degree and 3rd Degree Murder for the 2022 killings of Jose Ventura-Jimenez & Alejandro Drullar. Case investigated by @ReadingPolice1 Sgt. Crampsie; tried by ADAs Goldsmith & Fegley. Sentencing scheduled for February 20, 2026.

[Berks County DA @BerksDA]

"Berks treatment courts among the first to receive certification" https://t.co/dgM4ryeN9k