A Peoria tattoo artist has been arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including grooming and the indecent solicitation of a child, following a months-long investigation sparked by a parent’s report.
Mario Davis, 34, owner of InkCapital at the Shoppes at Grand Prairie, was taken into custody Tuesday morning. In addition to the grooming and solicitation charges, Davis is also facing a charge of disorderly conduct for allegedly filing a false police report connected to the case.
Peoria Police said the investigation began in February after a concerned parent reported that a minor had received explicit messages. A subsequent investigation, including the execution of search warrants, confirmed the messages originated from Davis.
According to police, the false report Davis allegedly filed was directly related to the ongoing investigation.
Davis has previously faced similar allegations. A 25News Digging Deeper special report revealed earlier accusations that Davis had exchanged illicit photos of minors for tattoo services. While authorities have not released specific details about the latest charges, they appear consistent with past claims.
In the report, one woman alleged that she received a tattoo from Davis when she was 15 years old because she believed he would not require parental consent. She claimed the appointment escalated when Davis allegedly sexually assaulted her after refusing to accept her objections. She also stated that years later, Davis contacted her again using a fake social media account, offering tattoos in exchange for sexual favors.
Another local tattoo artist told 25News they had spoken with several women who described similar experiences at Davis’s shop, including claims that he offered tattoos in exchange for sex.
The special report also included allegations from a former apprentice, who accused Davis of consuming alcohol while working and violating health and safety regulations outlined in the Illinois Department of Public Health’s Body Art Code by maintaining unsanitary conditions.
Authorities have not disclosed whether additional charges may be filed as the investigation continues.
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