COBB COUNTY, Ga.,None — A Cobb County man said his hobby has landed him in jail. Now, he is charged with child cruelty.
Cobb County police said Patrick Bennett gave an underage girl a tattoo.
Bennetts brother, Chris, told Channel 2s John Bachman that the girl lied about her age. Chris Bennett said his brother is an artist, not a criminal.
Hes done all of these fully professional. Hes never had a complaint from a customer. Ever, said Chris Bennett, as he showed Bachman some of his brothers tattoo designs.
He said a girl came to them claiming to be 18 and wanting a tattoo. By law, it is illegal for anyone under 18 to get a tattoo.
She claims to be 18, said Chris Bennett.
Cobb County police said the girl was 16 and paid $40 cash for the tattoo. When she went home, her mother called police.
Word got out amongst the teens and juveniles that they could get a tattoo at discounted rate and they could go to him with no questions asked, said Cobb County police Sgt. Dana Pierce.
Police said there could be other cases out there.
Bennett would not let Bachman inside the Powder Springs home where he said his brother gave the tattoo and he makes no excuses for what they did.
Yes, you can blame me for giving the tat. You can blame Pat for giving tat, yes you can. But you cannot blame him for being accountable for her actions, said Bennett.
Bennett said his brother's arrest for child cruelty won't stop him from giving tattoos.
You cant stop art just because you have disagreement. Your daughter got tattooed under age. Yes, I can understand your anger, but you can never stop him from doing it, said Bennett.
Bennett said his brother is working toward getting a license to give tattoos.
Patrick Bennett was released from jail on a $1,000 bond.
WSBTV
