The Reading Police Department has announced multiple arrests and criminal charges following a three-month investigation into the disappearance of Michael Petrino Jr., who has been missing since late March.
According to police, Petrino Jr. was reported missing by family members in western Lebanon County. Investigators in Lebanon County determined he had been frequenting the Reading area before his disappearance, prompting the Reading Police Department to assume the lead role in the investigation.
Police said investigators determined Petrino Jr. rented a Jeep Compass that was later found abandoned in the 1200 block of Muhlenberg Street several days after he disappeared. The vehicle was towed and processed for evidence as the investigation continued.
Through the investigation, detectives determined that during the early morning hours of March 25, Petrino Jr. was allegedly lured to the area of North 2nd and Oley streets by three juvenile males identified as J.S., 17, J.E., 16, and A.M., 16, who were traveling in Petrino Jr.’s rented Jeep.
Investigators said information gathered from numerous sources indicated Petrino Jr. had ongoing conflicts with several individuals in Berks County and that a bounty had been placed on him.
Surveillance footage obtained by investigators reportedly showed the rented Jeep entering an alley near North 2nd and Oley streets, where it parked. Police said J.S. was seen exiting the vehicle while using a cellphone.
A review of digital evidence also revealed the three juveniles were participating in a group chat with Gerson Caicedo, Khalil Nein and Jazmeire Brockington.
Additional surveillance footage allegedly showed a tan Chevrolet sedan arriving in the alley and parking directly behind the Jeep. Investigators allege Petrino Jr. was assaulted, forcibly removed from the Jeep, placed into the Chevrolet sedan and driven away.
Police said the three juveniles then left the area to abandon Petrino Jr.’s rented Jeep and destroy his cellphone.
Investigators believe Petrino Jr. was transported to a secluded location by Caicedo, Nein and Brockington. His whereabouts remain unknown. Police said the Chevrolet sedan involved in the incident was registered to Caicedo.
The investigation remains active as detectives continue searching for Petrino Jr., working to identify anyone else involved and gathering additional evidence.
Police announced the following charges:
J.S., 17, has been charged as an adult with kidnapping, robbery and conspiracy and has been taken into custody.
J.E., 16, has been charged as an adult with kidnapping, robbery and conspiracy and has also been taken into custody.
A.M., 16, has been charged as an adult with kidnapping, false imprisonment and conspiracy. Police said A.M. was taken into custody by Juvenile Probation Officers and Criminal Investigations.
Gerson Caicedo, 21, is charged with kidnapping, false imprisonment and conspiracy. He is currently incarcerated at Berks County Prison on unrelated charges.
Jazmeire Brockington, 19, is charged with kidnapping, false imprisonment and conspiracy and is currently incarcerated on unrelated charges.
Khalil Nein, 20, is charged with kidnapping, false imprisonment and conspiracy. Police said he was taken into custody June 17 with assistance from the Berks County Emergency Response Team.
Police emphasized that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Michael Petrino Jr. or information related to the investigation is asked to contact the Reading Police Department at 610-655-6116. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Crime Alert Berks County at 1-877-373-9913. Cash rewards are available for information leading to an arrest.