Welty jailed after knife possession violates his probation

RANCHO CUCAMONGA -- A former strip-club manager's legal woes continued last month when he was jailed for violating his probation.

Ward Ryan Welty, 35, pleaded guilty in February to soliciting a minor for sex, possessing a controlled substance for sale, and possessing child pornography.

He was found in violation of his probation on Aug. 28 following a hearing at West Valley Superior Court. Authorities found a knife when they searched Welty's home, said Deputy District Attorney Jason Anderson. His terms of probation prohibit him from possessing a knife.

Welty, who had been serving a 270-day jail sentence through house arrest, was ordered by Judge Arthur Harrison at the conclusion of the hearing to serve his sentence in jail as "straight time."

Authorities in Colorado are attempting to extradite Welty on multiple sex charges there. An undercover police sting that resulted in Welty's arrest originated in Colorado.

Welty's father owns Manta Management, which operates Tropical Lei, the Flesh Club in San Bernardino and the Hawaii Theatre in the City of Industry.