PHILADELPHIA – In a gritty crackdown on illegal weaponry, the United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that Joseph Raymond Berger, 69, and his son, Joseph Paul Berger, 35, of Bethlehem, PA, have been sentenced for their brazen illegal possession of machine guns. The Bergers’ sentencing hearing was held on June 24, 2024, with Joseph Raymond receiving 36 months of supervised release following a 37-month prison term.
The pair were indicted in February 2022 for possessing a machine gun and non-registered firearms. Their crime? An illegal cache of 13 fully automatic machine guns and 12 firearm silencers. They entered guilty pleas on February 28, 2024.
United States District Court Judge Joseph F. Leeson, Jr., was the one who handed down the sentences. The investigation was a joint effort by Customs and Border Protection, which intercepted three illegal firearms silencers en route to the Bergers’ residence. A subsequent search warrant uncovered the illegal arsenal in their basement, including 11 rifles and 2 submachine guns.
Law enforcement revealed that the recovered firearms were initially sold as semi-automatic weapons before being converted into fully automatic machines, a clear violation of federal firearms laws. U.S. Attorney Romero emphasized the importance of adhering to firearms regulations, “But if you flout them like the Bergers,” she said, “you’ll face accountability.”
Acting Special Agent in Charge of HSI Philadelphia Sara Bay highlighted the threat posed by illegal suppressors, “HSI is committed to keeping these dangerous weapons off our streets.” The ATF’s Eric DeGree echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of removing illegal firearms from circulation. The case was investigated and prosecuted with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and Homeland Security Investigations.
Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Carissimi led the prosecution. This sentencing serves as a stark reminder that law enforcement is vigilant in combating illegal firearms activity across the nation.
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Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Weapons|Public Corruption|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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