PRESS RELEASE 

ILLEGAL TATTOO OPERATION

AUGUST 23, 2017

The George County Sheriff’s Office served a search warrant at a residence located on Barton Agricola Road in the Barton Community. Investigators arrested Brian Lee Tempel 35 and Taylor Marie Kirkland 23 for Tattooing without a license and for violating State of Mississippi Health Department rules and regulations. Investigators with the Sheriff’s Office had received multiple complaints regarding this residence providing tattoos for compensation and also providing tattoos to minors. Investigators also discovered stolen property and illegal narcotics at the residence. The Sheriff’s Office would like the public to be aware if you are receiving tattoos from unlicensed tattoo artists who are operating in unsanitary conditions there is a high risk of contracting Hepatitis, HIV, and other blood-borne diseases. Tempel and Kirkland were booked into the George County Regional Correction Facility. At this time they are out on bond and awaiting court appearance in George County Justice Court.  

This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information concerning this or any other crime is encouraged to contact the George County Sheriff’s Office at 601.947.4811.

 The Mississippi Coast Crime Stoppers is available for reporting anonymous crime tips by calling 877.787.5898.  The Mississippi Coast Crime Stoppers can be accessed by internet at the following address: mscoastcrimestoppers.com or through the George County Sheriff’s Office website www.GeorgeCountyMSSheriff.com.

Authorized for release by Sheriff Keith Havard