Two suspected of identity theft Two Trabuco...

Two suspected of identity theft

Two Trabuco Hills residents were arrested on suspicion of

conspiracy after police investigated a fraud report filed in Laguna

Beach.

Fallan Rene Cook and Michael John Traeger were arrested in Cook’s

Trabuco Hills residence on June 2 after police showed up to

investigate allegations involving fraudulent checks. The victim, who

was not identified, lives in Laguna Beach.

Cook let police into the residence, Det. Matt August said, and

after police searched the house they saw glass methamphetamine pipes,

a bong and a scale in plain view. The search also turned up evidence

that police believe show Cook and August were plotting identity

theft.

“We found a bunch of documents that pointed to the fact that they

had tried to establish credit in another person’s name,” August said.

Police found papers listing names and Social Security Numbers and

evidence that two lines of credit totaling $17,500 were taken out in

another person’s name. They also found the second suspect.

“We found Mr. Traeger hiding in a bathroom,” August said.

Police are conducting additional investigations to determine the

extent of any crimes committed.