Identity theft investigation leads to arrest of Sebastopol man

An investigation into identity theft led to the arrest of a Sebastopol man who is suspected of making credit and debit cards at his home, using other people’s identification, Sebastopol police said Wednesday.

Officers have arrested Joseph Francisco Dropko, 37, said Sebastopol Sgt. David Ginn.

The investigation began earlier this month with a report of a suspicious incident at Lucky Supermarket involving a man coming in on two subsequent days and trying to buy gift cards with multiple credit cards that all were rejected, Ginn said.

Store officials contacted police, who used surveillance photos to identify a suspect. On May 13, Ginn arrested Dropko on suspicion of burglary, saying the man went into the store with the intent to steal the gift cards by using a fake credit or debit card, Ginn said.

Officers Tuesday served a search warrant at the man’s home and said they found computer equipment, blank cards and other devices specifically used to make the purchasing cards.

Dropko then was arrested on suspicion of a felony, involving the intent to commit fraud through the making of credit or debit cards.

According to Sonoma County court records, Dropko has a history of arrests and convictions dating back to 2003. The history includes cases similar to the current Sebastopol allegations.