Redding PD: Investigation into Alleged Narcotics Sales Also Uncovers Evidence of Sexual Abuse
Photos: Redding PD
Redding police have arrested a man on a variety of charges following an investigation that began earlier this year.
Donald Stroud
Starting in February, police began investigating 45-year-old Donald Stroud, owner and operator of Royal Syndicate Tattoo Parlor. The investigation concluded earlier this month with Stroud’s arrest on a variety of charges, including alleged health and safety code violations and maintaining a business for the purpose of narcotics sales.
Investigators also seized Stroud’s phone and found evidence that Stroud had been engaging in an illegal sexual activity with an underage girl, which in turn launched a separate investigation, police said.
On the morning of September 14, authorities served both search and arrest warrants at Stroud’s home on Lamoine Drive. Stroud was sitting in his vehicle nearby at the time and was detained, along with a second occupant identified as 49-year-old Michelle Martinez.
Martinez was on post-release community supervision at the time, police said.
During the search, investigators reportedly recovered a loaded 9mm handgun hidden in a piece of furniture, as well as nearly two ounces of meth and other evidence of narcotics sales (shown above).
Stroud was arrested on numerous charges in connection to two separate investigations — including felon in possession of a firearm, felon in possession of ammunition, possession of a controlled substance for sale, unlawful sex with a minor, and possession of obscene material of a minor in a sexual manner.
Martinez was released at the scene, police said.
