STH Body Jewelry Blog

A new business coming the Tri-Cities raises concerns about increased crime. A tattoo and piercing shop is moving to Watauga Avenue in Erwin and Sheriff Kent Harris is not rolling out the welcome mat. He says, “Tattoo and body piercing that’s just something I don’t want here in the county.” Sheriff Harris is concerned the only thing this shop will bring is trouble. “Based on prior experiences with tattoo parlors, the type of people that you’re gonna draw in there, chance are it’s people that may be committing crimes,” says Harris.

The Sheriff’s problems with these parlors come from past experiences. Several years ago one of their largest drug busts involved a tattoo business and it’s owner. “This tattoo parlor became a place for drug trafficking going on,” explains Harris.

Jim Connor is the owner of Ace High Tattoo in Johnson City. He says, “You’re gonna have crime and drug activity no matter where you go, no matter what business you’re in.” Connor says the illegal activity has nothing to do with the business. “This business does invite it, only if the people working there invite it in that’s when you have the problems,” says Connor.

He says the crime and drug stereotype tattooed to their trade is a typical perception, but one he believes is quickly being erased. “You’d be amazed at the people that have tattoos, doctors, lawyers, all the professional fields, every race, creed, breed.”

His and similar businesses are inspected about every three months by the health department.

The owner of the new business moving into Erwin did not want to talk with us on camera.