Tattoo artist charged with statutory rape of girl client, who also got meth

A 23-year-old man was behind bars Friday on charges of statutory rape with a teenage girl the defendant allegedly put a tattoo on, a prosecutor said.

Osbaldo Valadez Espina, who is being held without bail, was arrested at an “encampment” for transients in Laguna Hills, Deputy District Attorney Tina Patel said.

Espina is also accused of giving the girl, who is about 15 to 16 years old, methamphetamine, Patel said.

Espina had some sort of tool he used to apply the tattoo to the victim, Patel said.

Espina is charged with unlawful sexual intercourse, inducing a minor to buy or sell a controlled substance, and inducing a minor four years or younger as agent to a crime, all felonies. He is also charged with tattooing a minor and possession of a controlled substance, both misdemeanors.

Espina, being held without bail, is next due in court Nov. 6 for his arraignment.

— City News Service