HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Two men accused of forging deeds from Oahu homes and stealing nearly half a million dollars pleaded not guilty Monday and were ordered held without bail.

The suspects allegedly targeted vacant properties or homes held in trust for multiple absent owners. Three residential properties were involved in the scheme, including a lot in Aiea.

Realtor discovers fraud

Realtor Ethan Lema said the man claiming to own an Aiea property was Eldon Simer, who showed him what appeared to be a deed on his phone.

“I met him out at the property. He said that his uncle had given him the property about 10 years ago before he died,” Lema said.

After listing the property for sale, Lema received a suspicious call.

“I had a gentleman call me saying that he was the owner of the pro

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