A Peoria tattoo shop owner has been arrested and faces serious criminal charges following allegations that he used social media to send sexually explicit messages to a minor, according to police.
Mario E. Davis, 34, was taken into custody on Tuesday and formally charged with three felony offenses: grooming, indecent solicitation of a child, and filing a false police report. The arrest followed a months-long investigation by the Peoria Police Department’s Youth and Criminal Investigations units.
Police say the investigation began on February 12, when a concerned parent contacted authorities to report that their child had received sexually explicit messages via a social media platform. Detectives launched an investigation that included the execution of multiple search warrants and a forensic review of several social media accounts allegedly linked to Davis.
Following the digital forensic analysis, police identified Davis as the individual suspected of initiating and maintaining inappropriate communication with the minor. Authorities did not disclose the specific social media platform used or the age of the alleged victim, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation and the protection of the minor’s identity.
Davis was arrested without incident in the 7700 block of North Grand Prairie Drive. Illinois Secretary of State business records link Davis to Black Ink Supply LLC, which is registered at 7714 North Grand Prairie Drive—the location of InkCapital Tattoos, a tattoo parlor operating in that area. Davis is listed as the owner of the business.
As of Wednesday, Davis remains in custody at the Peoria County Jail. Details regarding his bond or a scheduled court appearance have not yet been released.
Charges Explained
The grooming charge relates to actions taken by an adult to build a relationship with a child with the intent of later engaging in sexual conduct. Indecent solicitation of a child refers to the act of attempting to persuade or entice a minor to engage in a sexual act. Filing a false police report is a separate felony and suggests Davis may have attempted to mislead investigators during the course of the inquiry.
If convicted, Davis could face substantial prison time. In Illinois, both grooming and indecent solicitation of a minor are Class 4 felonies, each carrying potential penalties of up to three years in prison and fines. Filing a false police report, depending on the circumstances, can range from a misdemeanor to a felony.
Community Response and Ongoing Investigation
The arrest has raised concerns among community members, especially those who have patronized InkCapital Tattoos. Law enforcement officials are urging the public to come forward with any additional information related to Davis or the investigation.
“Cases involving the exploitation of minors are among the most serious we handle,” said a spokesperson for the Peoria Police Department. “We want to ensure that any other potential victims are identified and that justice is served.”
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