Cyber Tip Leads to Child Exploitation Charges Against Reading Man

A months-long Berks County investigation that began with a report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children has resulted in criminal charges against a 19-year-old Reading resident following the seizure of alleged child sexual abuse material.

Reading, PA A Berks County investigation that began with a cyber tip has resulted in criminal charges against a 19-year-old Reading resident following the seizure of alleged child sexual abuse material. According to Berks County detectives, Jhosua Melenciano Vasquez, 19, of Reading , surrendered to authorities Tuesday and was processed through the county's Central Processing Center pending arraignment. The charges include allegations involving child sexual abuse material and criminal use of a communication facility. Investigation Began With National Cyber Report Investigators state the case originated in November 2024 , when the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) notified authorities about suspected illegal material reportedly uploaded to an online storage account. Detectives traced activity connected to the account through investigative subpoenas and internet records, ultimately leading them to a residence in the 100 block of West Greenwich Street in Reading . Authorities said additional digital records linked the defendant to the accounts under investigation. Search Warrant and Digital Evidence On December 5, 2025 , county detectives executed a search warrant at the residence. According to investigators, electronic devices were seized during the operation. Authorities reported that during questioning, the defendant acknowledged possessing illegal material on a cellphone. A forensic review conducted by the district attorney's office later identified numerous files investigators classified as child sexual abuse material. Continuing Investigation Law enforcement officials stated the investigation remains active. Have Information? Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Berks County Detectives at 610-478-7171 . Anonymous information may also be submitted through Crime Alert Berks County . Why Cases Like This Matter Cases involving digital exploitation often begin far from the local community — through cyber reporting systems, cloud platforms, and interstate investigative coordination — but ultimately require local law enforcement and forensic resources to pursue charges. As digital platforms continue expanding, cyber investigations increasingly rely on reports, subpoenas, forensic review, and coordinated enforcement efforts to identify and prosecute alleged exploitation offenses. This report summarizes publicly reported allegations and court-related information. Criminal charges are accusations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.