Man paid children for stolen goods with tattoos

A man has been arrested in connection with a burglary operation where he allegedly paid two juveniles for stolen property with tattoos. Sacramento police said Eugene Eaton, 20, was arrested on charges of violation of probation, tattooing subjects under 18 years of age, and for contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

According to Capt. Daniel Hahn, an 11-year-old and a 13-year-old were arrested on burglary charges. Investigators then did a follow-up on the burglaries at Willow Glen Apartments in North Natomas, where Eaton lives.

Hahn said police found several laptops, video cameras and other items at Eaton's home, including tattooing equipment. "This is not the first time we've seen teenagers stealing things. But this has to be the first time we've seen them stealing in exchange for tattoos," Hahn said.



Reached at her apartment, Eaton's wife, Lindsay Smith, said "This is so scary what he is accused of. This is not true. He had permission from the kids' parents to give them those tattoos."

Branden Smith, Eaton's friend - said the suspect didn't ask the kids - who he thought were older - to steal. Instead, Smith said the kids offered to give Eaton the stolen goods in exchange for the tattoos.

"Unfortunately, one of the tattoos he gave one the kids was the kid's date of birth, so it's kind of hard to believe what he's saying," Hahn said.

With news video.