According to court documents, Joseph R. Reading, 43, of Frackville, has been charged with Theft by Deception – False Impression, a third-degree felony. A criminal complaint was filed on July 28, 2026, and the case is awaiting a preliminary hearing.
State Police from the Schuylkill Haven Barracks said they were dispatched to investigate a theft report on March 27, 2025, at a residence on Fair Road in South Manheim Township.
According to the affidavit of probable cause, the homeowner told investigators she hired Reading in March 2024 through his business, Reading Mechanical, to replace the roof on her garage after it was damaged in a storm.
Police allege Reading inspected the damage on March 14, 2024, provided an estimate, and told the homeowner he would return in June 2024 to begin the work. After the homeowner received an insurance check for $7,606.05, she reportedly sent the full payment to Reading by certified mail at his request.
Investigators said the roof was never repaired.
The affidavit states that the homeowner attempted to contact Reading throughout June 2024 and was initially told he was too busy to come to the property until July. After waiting until July 2024, she continued calling him, but police say Reading never answered her calls or returned to the residence. The homeowner told troopers Reading had not been back to the property since April 2024. She later learned the insurance check had been cashed in April 2024.
According to the affidavit, troopers attempted to contact Reading by telephone on July 13, 2025, and again on January 15, 2026, to conduct an interview but were unsuccessful. Police also allege that Reading failed to return their phone calls.
The charge was filed before Magisterial District Judge Casimir T. Kosciolek.