Ephrata man charged with false ID and meth possession
An Ephrata officer patrolling the Warwick to Ephrata Rail Trail recognized Thomas L. Simmons, 57, arrested him on outstanding warrants and found about 1.8 grams of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia during a search incident to arrest.
On July 8, 2026 at 1:48 a.m., an Ephrata police officer on bicycle patrol at the Warwick to Ephrata Rail Trail crossing at E. Queen Street recognized Thomas Lynn Simmons, 57, and knew of active warrants for his arrest. Simmons gave a false name and date of birth while the officer confirmed his identity; he was taken into custody and a search incident to arrest uncovered approximately 1.8 grams of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. Simmons was transported to the Ephrata Police Station, later released to the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Department on the outstanding warrants, and charges were filed through MDJ Landis’ office; he is presumed innocent until proven guilty.