Mom, Tattoo Artist Charged Over 14-Year-Old’s Ink

A Georgia father went beyond objecting when his 14-year-old son came home with a full sleeve tattoo—he contacted law enforcement.

Authorities say the teen’s mother took him out on Dec. 28, and he later returned with an arm-length tattoo that is illegal for minors under Georgia law. The boy’s father, Chris Johnson, who has full custody, told the Monroe County Reporter he found the tattoo “very inappropriate” and reported the incident to the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office.

Investigators traced the tattoo to Walter Nesbitt, who was located at a barbershop. According to WMAZ, Nesbitt initially denied any involvement but later admitted he tattooed the teen at the mother’s request. Deputies say Nesbitt acknowledged he is not a licensed tattoo artist and did not obtain a signed consent form. Even with parental permission, the tattoo would still have been illegal under state law.

Georgia law bans tattoos for anyone under 18 unless performed by a licensed physician or osteopath for medical or cosmetic purposes.

Nesbitt was arrested on Dec. 29 and charged with unlawfully tattooing a minor. The boy’s mother, whose name has not been released, was arrested on Jan. 17 and charged as a party to the crime. According to Law & Crime, both could face up to one year in jail and fines of up to $1,000 if convicted.

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