Local tattoo parlor owner faces meth charges

Published 10:38 am Thursday, December 11, 2008

The owner of an Austin tattoo parlor and his girlfriend have been charged with selling methamphetamine.

Jason Reinartz, 35, owner of A-town Tattoo, faces two counts of first-degree drug charges after a search warrant was executed at their rural Austin home, 24054 542nd Ave., as well as a residence on Second Avenue Northeast in Austin.

According to court records, law enforcement had been investigating suspected meth and marijuana trafficking involving Reinartz and his girlfriend, Emily Elaine Young, 21.

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After learning that Reinartz was scheduled to meet with his probation agent Dec. 5, law enforcement decided to execute their warrant that day and set up surveillance at their home.

After Reinartz was taken into custody at the residence on Second Avenue Northeast, law enforcement allegedly found a small box containing several ounces of meth as well as 92 grams of marijuana and numerous paraphernalia including urine cleanser.

In Young’s purse, 20 to 25 Vicodin pills were reportedly discovered as well. She was also taken to the Mower County Jail.

At their home on 542nd Avenue, police found more paraphernalia, records show.

A total of approximately 209 grams of meth was reportedly found.

According to the complaint, Young told officers all the drugs belonged to her. The detective, however, indicated he did not believe she was being completely honest.

Both individuals are charged with felony first-degree aid/abet controlled substance crime and conspiracy to committee controlled substance crime.

Reinartz has drug convictions in this past, including fifth-degree controlled substance crime in 1995 and 2000 and third-degree controlled substance crime in 2000.

Bond for Reinartz was set at $1 million or $100,000 with conditions. Young’s bond was set at $500,000 or $50,000 with conditions.

Both are scheduled for arraignment in Mower County Court Dec. 18.