The Ephrata Police Department recently charged Javee Santiago, 19, of New Jersey, with Theft by unlawful taking (F3). On 05/20/2026, Ephrata Police Department began an investigation into the theft of a BMW sedan. The victim reported that while on a test drive with Santiago, they went to Walmart parking lot to look over the vehicle. Santiago waited for the victim to exit the vehicle without the key fob and then drove off. On 06/01/2026, an arrest warrant was issued through MDJ Landis' office for Santiago. On 06/09/2026, Santiago was arrested on the warrant in New Jersey and incarcerated in the Morris County Correctional Facility. On 06/11/2026, Ephrata Police extradited Santiago back to Lancaster County where he was arraigned by MDJ Landis. Santiago was transported to Lancaster County Prison in lieu of $50,000 cash bail. 

Santiago is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.