PHILADELPHIA – A hard-hitting Berks County thug, Mikal Portalatin, 34, has entered a plea of guilty to a litany of violent crime charges, including armed bank robbery and Hobbs Act violations. United States Attorney David Metcalf dropped the charges against Portalatin in January 2024, stemming from a spree of Reading-area gas station and credit union holdups.
Portalatin’s reign of terror began on July 27, 2022, at the Citgo gas station convenience store on Buttonwood Street. He followed this with an attempted heist at the Sunoco gas station on Lancaster Avenue on August 3, 2022. The most violent act came on November 21, 2022, when Portalatin robbed the Members First Credit Union on E. Lancaster Avenue.
During the July 27 incident, Portalatin showcased his brazenness by discharging his firearm at an employee who chased him away from the scene. Thankfully, no one was struck by the bullets. Now, the defendant is staring down a potential life sentence for his actions. His sentencing date is set for October 30.
The FBI’s Allentown Resident Agency, along with local law enforcement from Cumru Township and Reading Police Department, have been working tirelessly to bring Portalatin to justice. Assistant United States Attorneys Rosalynda M. Michetti and Kelly Lewis Fallenstein are leading the prosecution against this violent criminal.
With this guilty plea, Mikal Portalatin has confirmed his place in the annals of Berks County’s most notorious criminals. His actions have not only terrorized local businesses but also shaken the community with fear. As the legal process moves forward, one thing is certain: justice will be served for the victims of these armed robberies.
Stay tuned to Grimy Times for ongoing coverage of this high-profile case.
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Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Weapons|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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