Man To Stand Trial For Allegedly Forging Ex-Fiance's Signature To Strip Home Title, Allowing Scammer To Sell It, Pocket The Cash, Flee To Europe

In Elkhorn, Wisconsin, The Janesville Gazette reports:

• Jacqueline Sharlein recognizes the forged signatures that stripped her ownership of her East Troy home, allowing someone to sell it and flee to Eastern Europe. The signatures were forged by her former fiancé, she said.



• Gerald Nickels was ordered [] to stand trial after Walworth County Judge John Race ruled Nickels probably committed a felony.



• Sharlein was the only witness to take the stand during the preliminary hearing, where Nickels silently watched with his attorneys. Sharlein testified she was familiar with Nickels' handwriting, and signatures on a quit claim deed and escrow check matched those of her former fiancé. Sharlein said her first name was even misspelled on one of the signatures.



• Nickels is charged with forgery and misappropriating identity, both felonies carrying a maximum prison sentence of up to six years.

For the story, see Suspect ordered to stand trial for felony forgery charge.