On March 6, 2026, the Ephrata Police Department received a report from the Lancaster County Office of Aging regarding concerns of financial exploitation of a 79-year-old elderly care-dependent person.

The investigation revealed unusual activity on the victim's bank account, including numerous Cash App transfers and gambling website purchases, which were not typical for the victim's account. The victim's finances are handled by their power of attorney and granddaughter, Jennifer Fernandez.

Search warrants were executed for Cash App, Chime, and BetMGM, which revealed multiple transactions unrelated to the victim's wellbeing or upkeep, including purchases for personal items and gambling. The transactions, totaling $4,310.00, occurred between October 1, 2025, and January 2, 2026.

Jennifer Lynn Fernandez, 37, of Ephrata, admitted to using their Cash App, Chime, and BetMGM accounts to make purchases utilizing the victim's bank account for personal use and unrelated to the victim's care. 

On September 24, 2026, the Investigations Division filed criminal charges for theft by unlawful taking (F3) and financial exploitation of older adult or care dependent person (F3). The preliminary arraignment has not been scheduled yet. 

All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.