On August 22, 2026, at approximately 12:02 a.m., officers with the Lancaster Township Police Department were conducting routine patrol in the 1500 block of Millersville Pike when they observed a vehicle displaying inspection and emissions stickers that, based on their training and experience, appeared inconsistent with authentic Pennsylvania-issued stickers.  

Officers initiated a traffic stop and made contact with the vehicle's owner and operator, Yamel Alexander Morales. During the investigation, Morales admitted that he knew the inspection and emissions stickers were fraudulent. Morales further stated that his father had purchased the counterfeit stickers for him because the vehicle would not pass state inspection. 

As a result of the investigation, Morales was charged with Altered, Forged, or Counterfeit Documents and Plates in violation of Pennsylvania Vehicle Code Section 7122, a Misdemeanor of the First Degree.

The charges were filed before the Honorable Mary Mongiovi-Sponaugle of Magisterial District Court 02-2-03 in Lancaster County.

***All charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.***