United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Mikal Portalatin, a 34-year-old resident of Reading, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to multiple charges in connection with armed robberies. The plea was entered before United States District Judge John M. Gallagher.
Portalatin faced charges including one count of Hobbs Act robbery, one count of attempted Hobbs Act robbery, one count of using and carrying a firearm during a crime of violence, and one count of armed bank robbery. These charges were related to three incidents that occurred in Berks County during the latter half of 2022.
The robberies took place at the following locations:
– July 27, 2022: Citgo gas station convenience store on the 200 block of Buttonwood Street.
– August 3, 2022: Sunoco gas station convenience store on the 1500 block of Lancaster Avenue.
– November 21, 2022: Members First Credit Union on the 500 block of E. Lancaster Avenue.
During the incident in July, Portalatin discharged his firearm at an employee who pursued him as he fled. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Portalatin is set for sentencing on October 30 and could face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
The investigation was conducted by FBI Philadelphia’s Allentown Resident Agency along with the Cumru Township Police Department and the Reading Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Rosalynda M. Michetti and Kelly Lewis Fallenstein.
