Three individuals face firearm and drug-related charges after Chilmark police uncovered an illegal tattoo operation allegedly run by a 16-year-old high school student from an Island residence.
The investigation began earlier this month following an anonymous tip alleging that the teenager was tattooing people, including fellow students, using supplies reportedly purchased by her mother. Authorities learned that the unlicensed tattoo parlor was being promoted on a public Instagram page, @mv_tattoo_, which featured posts inviting people to get tattoos, including “stick and poke” designs, with a description reading, “Slide in DM for tattoo/I also do stick and pokes (Martha’s Vineyard).” The account showcased seven posts and 57 tattoo designs.
Chilmark police responded to the residence where they found the teenager tattooing 20-year-old Kamel Timmons from Vineyard Haven and 18-year-old Kamari Clements from West Tisbury. The two men were seated on a couch, playing video games, while the tattoos were being done.
Court documents reveal that police informed the group of their intent to obtain a search warrant for the basement of the house. Officers asked everyone to vacate to prevent the destruction of evidence and were also alerted to the presence of a firearm on the premises.
Two search warrants were issued: one to seize the unknown firearm and another to investigate the tattoo equipment, records of individuals tattooed, and receipts for supplies. Upon entering the basement, officers discovered that the space had been remodeled to resemble a professional tattoo studio, complete with padded tables, ink-filled rolling carts, and various tattoo guns and needles.
Surveillance footage from the property showed Clements entering the basement and displaying a firearm to the tattoo artist.
During the search, police confiscated tattoo supplies, a digital scale, a small quantity of marijuana, pepper spray, and a black assault GSG-522 .22LR caliber rifle, which had been altered by removing its butt stock to fit into a backpack.
Clements was charged with possession of a firearm without a firearm identification card and is scheduled to appear in court on March 3. Although he denied ownership of the gun, he is facing serious charges.
A search of Timmons’ residence also led to the discovery of evidence suggesting drug distribution. Authorities found plastic bags, a digital scale, over $3,400 in cash, and a white powdery substance. Timmons now faces charges for possession of cocaine with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm without a firearm identification card.
Timmons was arrested and pleaded not guilty to all charges during his February 13 appearance in Edgartown District Court. He is due back in court for a pretrial hearing on April 28.
In addition, Brooks N. Timmons, 50, was charged with the distribution of a Class B substance, cocaine, during the execution of the search warrant at his residence. He also pleaded not guilty and has a pretrial hearing scheduled for April 28.
The investigation into the illegal tattoo operation is ongoing.
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