Two arrested after theft investigation reveals fake ID lab in Agoura Hills

Detectives from the Moorpark Police Department arrested two individuals suspected of participating in identity theft following an investigation last month, authorities said Friday.

On Dec. 10, Moorpark police responded to a possible shoplifting in progress at an unnamed local department store. The shoplifting suspects were detained an arrested on existing warrants, authorities said.

Evidence confiscated from the suspected shoplifters revealed the use of fake credit cards and identification cards. An investigation was launched into the possible identity theft, police said.

Over the course of the investigation, police drafted a search warrant for a residence in the 28900 block of Crest Drive in Agoura Hills. Authorities learned during the preparation of the search warrant that deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department were planning to serve a search warrant at the same residence, according to police.

On Thursday, authorities from both Los Angeles and Ventura counties served the search warrant at the Agoura Hills residence as well as the neighboring address. The search warrant revealed the use of embossers, skimmers and blank credit cards, authorities said.

During the search warrant, police arrested Ewao Butler, 46, of Los Angeles, and Laura Lyons, 29, of Agoura Hills, on suspicion of multiple identity theft-related charges. They were both taken to county jail. Additionally, Los Angeles authorities arrested four suspects on outstanding warrants and drug charges.

Investigation into the lab is ongoing and police expect to make additional arrests in the case.