by Monroe County, GA – A mother and a tattoo artist in Georgia were arrested for allegedly giving a 14-year-old boy a sleeve tattoo at an unlicensed location, authorities said. The boy’s father reported the incident, which allegedly violated state law prohibiting minors from receiving tattoos, even with parental consent.
Incident Overview
The tattoo artist, Walter Nesbitt, and the boy’s mother, whose name has not been released, face criminal charges in connection with the incident, which occurred last month. Nesbitt was arrested on December 29, 2025, and charged with one count of unlawfully tattooing a child under the age of 18, according to local reports. The mother was taken into custody on January 17, 2026, facing one count of being a party to the unlawful tattooing of a child under the age of 18.
Timeline of Events
According to a probable cause affidavit obtained by local media outlets, the mother took her son out on December 28, 2025, and the boy returned with a large sleeve tattoo. The boy’s father, Chris Johnson, who has full custody, described the tattoo as “very inappropriate” for a 14-year-old and reported the incident to the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies responded to a barbershop on the 3550 block of Mercer University Drive, where they made contact with Nesbitt. Initially, Nesbitt denied involvement in tattooing the boy but later admitted to performing the procedure at the mother’s request. He also acknowledged that he was unlicensed and did not obtain a signed consent form.
Details from Officials
Under Georgia law, juveniles under the age of 18 are not permitted to receive tattoos, regardless of parental consent. Licensed physicians or osteopaths are exceptions only when performing tattoos for medical or cosmetic purposes.
Authorities said the case highlights the legal risks of unlicensed tattooing, particularly when minors are involved. If convicted, both Nesbitt and the mother face up to one year in jail and a maximum fine of $1,000.
Additional Context
Experts caution parents and guardians against facilitating tattoos for minors outside legal or licensed channels. Unlicensed tattooing carries health risks, including infections and permanent scarring, in addition to legal consequences. Community awareness and reporting can help prevent similar incidents.
Conclusion
The arrest of Walter Nesbitt and the boy’s mother emphasizes the legal restrictions surrounding tattooing minors in Georgia. Authorities continue to investigate, and the defendants will face court proceedings in the coming months.
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