In April 2026, the Ephrata Police Department received a report of a residential property being sold without the knowledge of one of its co-owners. An investigation was conducted, and it was discovered that on February 26, 2026, Donald Hughes Jr., 37, of Adamstown, PA, forged the victim's signature on a Real Estate Power of Attorney Document, designating himself as an agent for the victim to sell, transfer, or exchange real estate on their behalf.

As a result, Hughes Jr. signed a deed, unlawfully transferring ownership of the Adamstown residential property, valued at $256,000.00, and received approximately $92,000 in gross proceeds.

Hughes Jr. was charged with one count of Theft by Unlawful Taking (F3), two counts of Forgery (F3), and one count of Identity Theft (F3). He was arraigned at the Magisterial District Justice Bearinger's office and released on $60,000 unsecured bail.

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