2 Arrested In Fraud Investigation Across SoCal, Arizona

SAN MARCOS, CA — Two people were arrested Thursday after deputies served search warrants as part of an investigation into large-scale fraud, forgery and burglary, authorities said.

Deputies from the San Marcos Sheriff's Station served warrants around 7 a.m. at homes in San Marcos and Temecula, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Office.

Investigators recovered hundreds of items used to produce forged documents, along with stolen credit cards and passports, sheriff's officials said. They also found property obtained through fraud and linked to victims in San Diego, Riverside and Orange counties as well as Arizona.

Katie Rhew, 44, and Michael Sundstrom, 46, were taken into custody.

Rhew was booked into the Vista Detention Facility on suspicion of identity theft, possessing personal identifying information belonging to more than 10 people, forgery, burglary, possession of methamphetamine, committing a felony while on bail and conspiracy.

Sundstrom was booked on suspicion of identity theft, mail theft, possession of stolen property and conspiracy.