Williams charged with illegal tattooing of a minor
Derrick Williams
The Investigation Division of the Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Office has arrested and charged a man following an investigation into the illegal tattooing of a juvenile.
According to police reports, a 16-year-old arranged and received a tattoo from a man identified as Derrick “Ghost” Williams without parental knowledge on May 1.
The investigation revealed the juvenile made the appointment with Williams through direct messaging and traveled alone to a private residence located on Airport Road in the Mt. Croghan/Pageland area, where the tattooing occurred.
Investigators said Williams failed to check or verify the juvenile’s age and did not request identification before performing the procedure.
Further investigation also determined Williams is not licensed by the state of South Carolina to perform tattoos and does not possess a valid tattooing facility license as required by the South Carolina Department of Public Health.
According to the report, the tattooing occurred in an unregulated residential setting, violating state safety and sanitation laws.
It was also noted that under South Carolina law, it is illegal for anyone under 18 to receive a tattoo, even with parental consent.
Williams was charged with unlawful tattooing of a minor and operating a tattoo facility without a valid license.
Anyone with information about this case, knowledge of an unlicensed tattoo facility, or a minor who has received a tattoo is encouraged to contact the Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Office at (843) 623-2101.