http://www.readingeagle.com/re/news/1611126.asp

City man charged in federal gun crimes
From our news staff


Federal authorities have charged a Reading man who is in the United States illegally with making a false claim about his immigration status to buy a gun, officials said Tuesday.

Mohamed Sita Berete, 28, was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of possessing a firearm by an illegal alien, making a false statement to a federal firearms licensee and making a false claim of United States citizenship.

Berete of the 100 block of South Third Street remained in federal custody pending further court action.

Officials with the U.S. attorney's office said Berete falsely stated on a required form that he was not an illegal alien when he bought a 9 mm handgun May 17 from Gun Gallery, 2807 Perkiomen Ave., St. Lawrence.

Berete was arrested July 8 in Bern Township with the gun, which was loaded with 15 rounds, authorities said.

Officials with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and Bureau of Immigration Enforcement investigated.