Michael Tomson, co-founder of Gotcha, has been arrested for suspicion of drug dealing.
In a probation check, the Laguna Beach Police found 52 grams of cocaine worth $2,000 in his home, as well as a scale and small bags used to pack drugs. Tomson started having problems with the authorities in 2010.
The former pro surfer founded Gotcha in 1978. A decade later, the iconic Californian surf brand was already hitting sales of $65 million. In 2005, Perry Ellis International acquired Gotcha.
Michael Elliot Tomson was born in Durban. In 1976, he finished the inaugural IPS World Circuit in fifth place. Tomson was one of the first regular footers to excel at Pipeline, in serious wave conditions.
He also founded Down the Line mag and worked as a surf journalist at Surfing Magazine. Michael Tomson stars in "Free Ride," "Tubular Swells," "Fantasea," and "Bustin' Down The Door."
Michael Tomson was the president of the Surf Industry Manufacturers Association (SIMA) from 1990 to 1999.