Man arrested while protesting at Reading Pride rally sues city officials

Damon Atkins, a man previously detained for allegedly disrupting a Pride flag raising event in Reading, has initiated a lawsuit against various city officials. He argues that his constitutional rights were infringed upon during his arrest.

Atkins, the plaintiff, filed the lawsuit on Tuesday. He alleges that his detainment at the Pride event at Reading City Hall on June 3 was in retribution for his religious views, thereby violating his First and Fourth Amendment rights.

Following a review of incident videos, the Berks County District Attorney's Office withdrew the disorderly conduct charges against Atkins.

Atkins defended his actions, citing religious motivation for attending the event and preaching. "The Bible says to go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. No one is exempt," he said.

However, the police reported that Atkins was arrested due to his disruptive behavior rather than his expressed views.

Named in the lawsuit are two officers present at the event, along with the mayor, police chief, and the City of Reading itself.

After reviewing the incident videos, including those from body-worn cameras, the District Attorney's Office concluded that the disorderly conduct charges against Atkins couldn't be proven, leading to their withdrawal.

Atkins' lawsuit seeks an unspecified amount in damages as well as coverage of court costs and fees.

The City of Reading has yet to respond to requests for comment on the lawsuit. Despite his initial arrest and disorderly conduct charge at the event, Atkins' charges were subsequently dropped.

Berks County insurance agent charged with writing fraudulent policies

Justin Heck, a 24-year-old insurance agent based in Kutztown, has been apprehended by authorities under accusations of unknowingly enrolling people in insurance policies.

The Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office has brought charges against Heck, including insurance fraud, forgery, and unlawful use of a computer.

The ordeal started when Allstate Insurance began an internal investigation in 2022. They were alerted by two individuals who had reportedly received mail regarding insurance policies that Heck had supposedly written without their consent or awareness.

Investigators discovered that Heck had issued nearly 150 insurance policies between January and June 2022.

A deeper look into a selection of these policies suggested they were being cancelled as their effective dates approached, with no premium payments having been made by the customers. Authorities believe that the majority, if not all, of these policies were sent to collections.

It's also alleged that Heck provided invalid phone numbers and email addresses for the policyholders he had enrolled.

Upon conclusion of their investigation, authorities determined that Heck had created and issued Allstate Insurance policies for nine individuals without their consent.

Following his arrest, Heck was released on his own recognizance. He is scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on September 5.

Federal Loans Available for Businesses Affected by RM Palmer Blast

Following the RM Palmer Company explosion in Berks County last March, the U.S. Small Business Administration's Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience is providing low-interest loans to assist affected businesses. The Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) are designed to help businesses that experienced financial losses because of their dependency on the company.

These loans can be applied for in person at a recovery center at the West Reading Fire Department building until 4 p.m. on Friday. Applicants must bring proof of economic loss, profit and loss statements, and tax records from the past couple of years.

These loans, with a value of up to $2 million, can be repaid over a period of up to 30 years, with an interest rate not exceeding 4%. Both interest and payments are deferred for the initial year.

Even after the in-person center closes, applications can be submitted online on the SBA website until March 2024.

Upcoming Local Events

• Greg Fitzsimmons debuts at SoulJoel’s inside SunnyBrook - July 20th, 7 PM

• 25th Hour + Stateside / Free Outdoor Show at Rivet! July 21st, 6-10 PM

• PHILADELPHIA FUNK AUTHORITY AT RIVET!

• Roaring 20’s Gatsby Themed Dance Party w/ The Blackbird Society Orchestra Inside the SunnyBrook Ballroom - July 21st, 7-10 PM

• Rich Vos headlines at SoulJoel’s Comedy Dome - July 21st, 8 PM

• Family Friendly Illusionist Show w/ Tom Coverly July 22nd, 3:30 PM

• Stephanie Grace Band / Free Outdoor Show at Rivet! July 22nd, 6-10 PM

• Sean Donnelly and Friends headline at SoulJoel’s inside SunnyBrook - July 22nd, 7:00 PM

Got an upcoming event you want us to share?

Click Here to Let us Know About Your Upcoming Event

PHILLIES

Contreras' Double in the 7th Inning Propels Brewers to a 5-3 Victory over Phillies

In a decisive moment during the seventh inning, William Contreras hit a double, propelling the Milwaukee Brewers to a 5-3 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday evening. This marks the Brewers' fifth win in the last six games.

Contreras, an instrumental player for the National League Central leaders, registered three hits and contributed two runs batted in. His teammate, Blake Perkins, also brought home two runs. The Brewers' 10-hit performance included five doubles.

Contreras also played a pivotal role in the ninth inning, catching out Bryson Stott, who was attempting to steal second base. Craig Counsell, the Brewers' manager, praised Contreras, noting his significant influence on the game.

For the Phillies, a home run came from Nick Castellanos, ending their winning streak at four games. Brandon Marsh from Philadelphia acknowledged the Brewers' superior performance and expressed determination to improve for the next game.

The Brewers' relievers, Hoby Milner (2-0), Elvis Peguero, Joey Payamps, and Devin Williams, delivered scoreless innings, earning seven strikeouts and no walks. Their stellar performance was applauded by Counsell.

In the ninth inning, Contreras thwarted Stott's attempt to steal second base, and Williams struck out Alec Bohm, resulting in his 24th save in 26 attempts. Contreras later expressed gratitude for his contribution on both the offensive and defensive ends, but emphasized that the team's victory was the ultimate goal.

The Brewers' starting pitcher, Colin Rea, allowed three runs, with two being earned, along with five hits over five innings. For the Phillies, Cristopher Sánchez allowed three runs, one of which was earned, and six hits also over five innings.

The seventh inning opened with Perkins walking against Jeff Hoffman (3-2), followed by a stolen base, and concluded with Contreras' double, bringing the score to 4-3. Contreras secured another RBI double in the ninth. Perkins also managed to hit a two-run double in the second inning, and subsequently scored on Christian Yelich's RBI double.

Castellanos' fourth inning saw his 14th home run of the season, and Kyle Schwarber made a two-run single in the fifth. However, Schwarber's home run streak ended at four consecutive games.

We could use your help

We’ve got big plans as we get up to speed! But we need your help!

One huge way that you can help us is to spread the word for us.

Know somebody who lives in the Pottstown Region and would benefit from being kept in the know?

Please share Pottstown Local Scoop with them! It’s simple! 👇👇👇