Multiple Arrest Warrants Issued in Connection with the Disappearance of Michael Petrino Jr.

Following an extensive three-month investigation, numerous arrest warrants have been authorized in connection with the disappearance of Michael Petrino Jr.

Petrino Jr. was reported missing by family members in western Lebanon County in late March. Investigators in Lebanon quickly determined that he had been frequenting the Reading area prior to his disappearance. The City of Reading Police Department then assumed lead in the investigation.

Investigators learned that a Jeep Compass rented by Petrino Jr. was later located abandoned in the 1200 block of Muhlenberg Street in the days following his disappearance. The vehicle was subsequently towed and processed for evidence as the investigation progressed.

As the investigation unfolded over several weeks, investigators learned the following:
Investigators determined that during the early morning hours of March 25, 2026, Petrino Jr. was lured to the area of 2nd and Oley Streets by three juvenile males—J.S. (17 years old), J.E. (16 years old), and A.M. (16 years old)—who were traveling in Petrino Jr.'s rented Jeep. Information obtained from numerous sources indicated that Petrino Jr. had ongoing issues with several individuals in the Berks County area and that a bounty was put out for Petrino Jr.

Investigators canvassed the area and secured surveillance footage from N. 2nd Street and Oley Street, which showed Petrino Jr.'s Jeep Compass entering and parking in an alleyway. J.S. was observed exiting the vehicle while using his cellular phone.

A review of digital evidence revealed that J.S., J.E., and A.M. were participating in a group chat with three other individuals identified as Gerson Caicedo, Khalil Nein, and Jazmeire Brockington. Additional footage shows a tan Chevrolet sedan entering the alley shortly thereafter and parking bumper-to-bumper with the Jeep. Evidence indicates that Petrino Jr. was assaulted, forcibly removed from the Jeep, placed into the Chevrolet sedan, and driven from the area.

Investigators determined that J.E., J.S., and A.M. left the area of N. 2nd Street and Oley Street to abandon Petrino Jr.'s rented Jeep and to destroy Petrino Jr.'s phone.

Investigators believe Petrino Jr. was then transported to a secluded area by Caicedo, Nein, and Brockington. His whereabouts remain unknown. The tan Chevrolet sedan was determined to be registered to Caicedo.

This investigation remains very active and ongoing. Detectives are continuing search efforts to locate Petrino Jr., identify all individuals involved, and gather additional evidence related to the incident.

The following individuals have been charged:
• J.S. (17-year-old male) – Charged as an adult with Kidnapping, Robbery, and Conspiracy. Taken into custody in connection with this case.
• J.E. (16-year-old male) – Charged as an adult with Kidnapping, Robbery, and Conspiracy. Taken into custody in connection with this case.
• A.M. (16-year-old male) – Charged as an adult with Kidnapping, False Imprisonment, and Conspiracy. Taken into custody by Juvenile Probation Officers and Criminal Investigations.

• Gerson Caicedo (DOB: 04/18/2005) – Charged with Kidnapping, False Imprisonment, and Conspiracy. Currently incarcerated at Berks County Prison on unrelated charges.

• Jazmeire Brockington (DOB: 01/03/2007) – Charged with Kidnapping, False Imprisonment, and Conspiracy. Currently incarcerated on unrelated charges.
• Khalil Nein (DOB: 05/21/2006) – Charged with Kidnapping, False Imprisonment, and Conspiracy. Taken into custody on 06/17/2026 with the assistance of the Berks County Emergency Response Team.

As in every criminal case, the fact that a warrant has been issued or a complaint has been filed is merely an accusation; and the defendant in this case is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Michael Petrino Jr. or information relevant to this investigation is encouraged to contact the Reading Police Department at 610-655-6116.

Information can also be provided anonymously by calling Crime Alert Berks County's anonymous tip line at 1 (877) 373-9913. Crime Alert offers cash rewards for information that leads to an arrest.