CONNELLSVILLE, Pa. — A South Connellsville man accused of tattooing minors and proving them with alcohol faced a judge Thursday.
Phillip Andrew Burnsworth, 29, had a preliminary hearing, which was continued until Sept. 12. He is charged with multiple counts of corruption of minors, endangering the welfare of children, recklessly endangering another person, furnishing liquor to minors and tattooing minors.
Police arrested Burnsworth after three juveniles said they received tattoos and alcohol at his West Painter Street residence.
“There was tattooing going on with minors, which is against the law without a parent or guardian present,” South Connellsville Mayor Pete Casini said.
On Aug. 2, a 14-year-old girl and a 17-year-old boy went to Burnsworth's residence for tattoos, police said.
Prior to the two minors receiving tattoos, Burnsworth provided them with malt liquor, according to police reports.
The 14-year-old girl told police the tattooing took place in Burnsworth's kitchen and bedroom. She told police she thought the tattooing was done with unsanitary instruments.
She told police Burnsworth provided her with an alcoholic beverage once the tattoo was complete. She returned a few days later to have additional work done on the tattoo.
The 17-year-old boy told police Burnsworth tattooed an area of his right forearm and provided him with alcoholic beverages before and after the tattooing.
The boy told police the tattooing was done in the kitchen. He provided police with a video of the tattooing being done.
Some people who know Burnsworth, including his friend Tony Prescott, defended him.
“I heard what happened and I don’t believe it. I talked to him and he’s not that type of guy,” Prescott said. “It’s easy to put someone in jail these days. He gives tattoos, but not to little kids.”
Channel 11’s news exchange partners at TribLIVE contributed to this report.
WPXI
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