A father and son from Lehigh County have been handed down sentences for the possession of an illegal arsenal of firearms, including machine guns and silencers. Joseph Raymond Berger, 69, and his son, Joseph Paul Berger, 35, were sentenced by United States District Court Judge Joseph F. Leeson, Jr., according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney's Office. The elder Berger received 36 months of supervised release on June 24, 2024, while his son was sentenced to 37 months in prison earlier on June 12, 2024.
The case against the Bergers began in February 2022 when an indictment charged them with possessing a machine gun and non-registered firearms. Originating from a seizure of three firearm silencers illegally imported into the U.S., which were sent to their Bethlehem, PA home, a search warrant uncovered 13 fully automatic machine guns and an additional 12 suppressors in their basement. It was found that the firearms, which included 11 rifles and 2 submachine guns, had been manually converted from semi-automatic to fully automatic weapons, all unregistered.
U.S. Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero emphasized the importance of adhering to firearms laws, stating, "Our nation's firearms laws exist to protect public safety." She warned, "But if, like the Bergers, you brazenly flout them by illegally possessing dangerous items like fully automatic machine guns and silencers, expect to be held accountable for your actions," as reported by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Adam Streetman, CBP’s Area Port Director for the Area Port of Philadelphia, highlighted the efforts of U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers to intercept dangerous products, including weapons, before harm is done to American citizens. "This sentencing validates the tireless efforts of U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers," he said in a statement made by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Several agencies played a role in bringing the Bergers’ case to a close, which was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from both the Customs and Border Protection and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The prosecuting Assistant United States Attorney was Anthony Carissimi. Details on the case and the sentences handed down to the Bergers can be found on the official Justice Department website.
