A 9-year-old boy in western Pennsylvania told state troopers that his father gave him a tattoo without his consent on July 13, and state police are now investigating what happened along Church Run Road in Perry Township, Greene County.
The child, who is from Washington County, reported that his father was the one who tattooed him, according to a Pennsylvania State Police report. The father has not been publicly identified, and it is not yet clear whether he will face any charges. WPXI reports that state police are continuing to investigate.
What Pennsylvania law says about tattooing minors
Pennsylvania law makes it a crime to tattoo anyone under 18 unless a parent or guardian both gives consent and is physically present while the tattoo is being done. A first offense is typically charged as a misdemeanor. The consent and presence requirements are set out in state statute at 18 Pa.C.S. § 6311, available via the Pennsylvania General Assembly.
Other charges investigators could consider
Depending on what troopers uncover, prosecutors could also look at broader counts such as endangering the welfare of children or assault, particularly if they determine the child was injured or coerced. The elements and grading for those offenses are described in state law, including endangering the welfare of children in 18 Pa.C.S. § 4304, as summarized by Justia, and assault in 18 Pa.C.S. § 2702, also outlined by Justia.
What happens next
Pennsylvania State Police say the investigation is ongoing and they have not released the father's name. If troopers refer the case for prosecution, a county district attorney would decide whether to file charges. For now, state police remain the lead investigators, according to WPXI.
