Thousand Oaks deputies arrested two people Tuesday suspected of identity theft and drug possession, according to authorities.

The arrest occurred around 10:30 a.m. in the 2400 block of West Hillcrest Drive, according to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies were conducting proactive patrolling in the area when they made contact with the two suspects, identified as Michelle Garcia, 28, of Canoga Park, and Khashayar Maleki, 33, of Woodland Hills. During their contact, law enforcement developed probable cause the two were involved with drug use, deputies said.

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A search of their vehicles and motel room revealed several items related to identity theft, including debit cards, identification cards and checks addressed to other people.

Further investigation identified the victims of the identity theft and found one of the suspect vehicles was purchased using the stolen identification. Many of the items used for identity theft were taken from unlocked vehicles, according to authorities.

Maleki and Garcia were both arrested on suspicion of possessing personal information with the intent to defraud, possession of narcotics and paraphernalia and felony conspiracy. Garcia was also arrested on a charge of identity theft. Both were booked into ounty jail and have since been released from custody.

Jeremy Childs is a breaking news and public safety reporter covering the night shift for the Ventura County Star. He can be reached by calling 805-437-0208 or emailing [email protected]. You can also find him on Twitter @Jeremy_Childs.

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