4 Arrested In North County Fraud, Identity Theft Investigation

SAN MARCOS, CA — Four people were arrested after a San Marcos fraud investigation led detectives to an Escondido home, where authorities said they found stolen credit cards, victims' personal information, drugs and other stolen property.

The investigation began around 7:30 p.m. Friday, when detectives with the San Marcos Sheriff's Station conducted an undercover operation to recover property allegedly purchased with stolen credit cards, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Office.

During the operation, detectives uncovered information linking a suspect to a larger investigation involving fraud and identity theft, sheriff's officials said.

Detectives later served a search warrant at an Escondido home and recovered drugs and a large amount of stolen property, including credit cards and personal information belonging to multiple victims, according to the sheriff's office.

Michael Lindsey, 39, Collin Swarts, 42, Dominic Fernandes, 34, and Ashley Swikek, 36, were arrested in connection with the investigation.

All four were booked into the Vista Detention Facility on suspicion of possession of stolen property, identity theft and possession of a controlled substance for sale and conspiracy.

The investigation was ongoing.