Mom Arrested for Taking 10-Year-Old Son to Get Tattoo

Kids ask for a lot of outrageous things—ponies, anyone?—but one Georgia mom was arrested for giving in to her 10-year-old's request for a tattoo, reports the Atlanta Journal Constitution. Mom Chuntera Napier took Gaquan, her son, to get a tattoo when he asked for one to memorialize his older brother Malik, who died after being hit by a car at the age of 12.

Napier defended her decision to Channel 2 news: “What do I say to a child who wants to remember his brother? It’s not like he’s asking me if can I get him a Sponge Bob,” she said. “He’s asking me for something that’s in remembrance of his brother. Well, how do I tell a child no?”

Unfortunately for Napier, Georgia law states that it is unlawful for anyone to tattoo a child under the age of 18, and Napier was arrested for child cruelty and being party to a crime. She was released and has a court hearing in March.

“I always thought if a parent gives consent, then it’s fine,” said Napier. “How can somebody else say it’s not OK? He’s my child, and I have a right to say what I want for my child.”

Watch to Napier’s interview with Channel 2:

We can't argue with the law, but do you think, in this case, that Napier should be charged with child cruelty? Would you ever let your under-18 teen get a tattoo, if your state allows it?