Two Anaheim Homes Are Searched in COBRA Sting

An anti-fraud task force said it searched two Anaheim homes, seizing evidence believed by authorities to have been used to bilk elderly victims across the nation out of more than $50,000.

The search was conducted Friday at houses belonging to Jeff J. Mortinson, 33, and Mitchell Brian Dow, 35, who are subjects of the telemarketing investigation. Anaheim residents Chad D. Foster, 31, and Michael Engelbart, 36, are also being investigated.

For 10 months, victims allegedly were promised sweepstakes winnings if they sent in money, but no prizes were awarded, authorities said. Among the names used were American Family Sweepstakes, American Sweepstakes, American Family, American Family Magazine, American magazine and North American Sweepstakes.

The investigation is being conducted by the County of Orange Boiler Room Apprehension (COBRA) Task Force, a multiagency effort that battles telemarketing fraud.