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Reading Gunman Portalatin Admits to String of Armed Robberies
PHILADELPHIA – A Berks County man is facing a potential life sentence after admitting to a brazen series of armed robberies that terrorized Reading gas station employees and credit union customers in the latter half of 2022. Mikal Portalatin, 34, of Reading, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty yesterday before United States District Judge John M. Gallagher to a litany of federal charges, bringing an end – for now – to the investigation into his violent spree.
Portalatin confessed to one count of Hobbs Act robbery, one count of attempted Hobbs Act robbery, one count of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and the most serious charge: armed bank robbery. The indictment, handed down in January 2024, detailed three separate incidents that put lives at risk for what authorities believe was a quick score.
The first target was a Citgo gas station convenience store in the 200 block of Buttonwood Street on July 27, 2022. Just a week later, on August 3, 2022, Portalatin allegedly turned his sights to a Sunoco gas station convenience store in the 1500 block of Lancaster Avenue. But it was the November 21, 2022, robbery of the Members First Credit Union in the 500 block of E. Lancaster Avenue that revealed the full extent of Portalatin’s willingness to use violence. During the July robbery, the defendant reportedly fired his weapon at an employee who dared to chase him as he made his escape. Miraculously, no one was struck by the gunfire.
Federal prosecutors, Assistant United States Attorneys Rosalynda M. Michetti and Kelly Lewis Fallenstein, built a solid case against Portalatin, piecing together evidence from multiple jurisdictions. The investigation was a collaborative effort between FBI Philadelphia’s Allentown Resident Agency, the Cumru Township Police Department, and the Reading Police Department, demonstrating a unified front against violent crime in the region. Sources close to the investigation say surveillance footage and witness testimony were critical in securing the guilty plea.
Portalatin is scheduled to be sentenced on October 30. Facing a maximum possible sentence of life imprisonment, the 34-year-old will have plenty of time to reflect on his choices. The Department of Justice, through United States Attorney David Metcalf, has made it clear that armed robbery will not be tolerated and that perpetrators will be brought to justice. The question now is whether Portalatin will cooperate with authorities in hopes of a reduced sentence, potentially revealing any accomplices who may still be at large.
Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and provide updates as they become available. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those working in customer-facing positions and the unwavering commitment of law enforcement to protect our communities.
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime|Weapons|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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