CULLMAN, Ala. – The story of a Vinemont man being denied bond on sodomy charges involving minor children prompted a wave of reaction on social media — including an unusual grassroots response from local tattoo artists offering discounted or free alterations and cover-ups for individuals who said they no longer wanted his work on their bodies.
Jesse Lee Conn, 33, is charged with two counts of first-degree sodomy involving minor children and was ordered held without bond following a Dec. 30 Aniah’s Law court hearing. Cullman County prosecutors described the charges as serious and emphasized the need to protect the community while the case proceeds.
The trial is scheduled for March 2026.
Full arrest story: www.cullmantribune.com/2025/12/31/aniahs-law-vinemont-man-held-without-bond-in-sodomy-cases
The original Tribune post linking to that arrest story drew in comments from readers across the region.
Many commenters offered prayers and expressions of concern for children.
Lisa Hill wrote, “Prayers for the children involved,” and Dewan Barbee Ratliff, identifying herself as a survivor of similar trauma, said she was “praying hard for these children.”
Other commenters expressed anger, frustration and fear. Some urged harsher punishment, calling for predators to be held without bond and advocating tougher consequences for those accused in such cases.
Amid that outpouring, a more unusual theme emerged. Multiple commenters said they had received tattoos from the accused in the past and no longer wanted that work on their bodies.
“Anyone offering tattoo removals?” asked Michelle Basinger in the thread. Callisto Johnson said she had a tattoo done by the accused and was “ashamed to have it on my body.” Julia Ruth Brown wrote, “I’m getting mine altered because I’m in the same boat. I refuse to have his work on my body.” Lydia Cantrell asked if anyone could change her oldest child’s name tattoo so she didn’t have a design “done by a suspected pedo.”
Responding to those requests, several local artists and apprentices began offering cover-up or alteration services in the same comment thread.
“I can do alterations!” wrote Brianne Perry, identifying herself as a working apprentice at West Coast Tattoos in Florence. “I will offer discounts for anyone who wants something they have done by him altered.”
Kalika Beth Owens said a friend at Beauty Marks Tattoo “does amazing work,” and Miranda Weaver suggested Bloodline Ink for cover-ups. In some cases, commenters tagged specific businesses or artists willing to help.
The offers were unsolicited, uncoordinated and emerged organically as part of community discussion.
While the volume of comments reflected widespread anger, some commenters urged restraint and reminded others of legal principles such as the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
Rebecca Kritner Martinez wrote in caps: “HE IS INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY!!!!!!” prompting replies about the serious nature of the charges.
The range of comments illustrates both the emotional intensity of the reaction and the unexpected ways online communities organize in response to news.
Tattoo artists and apprentices offering help
The following individuals and businesses were publicly mentioned on social media as offering tattoo cover–ups or alterations:
West Coast Tattoos (Florence)
• Brianne Perry, apprentice — offering discounted alterations for work done by the accused
Beauty Marks Tattoo
• Referenced by Kalika Beth Owens, with artist Megan Cregger mentioned for cover-up work
Bloodline Ink
• Referenced by Miranda Weaver as a shop that “does amazing cover-ups”
Independent artists
• Riley Bryson Dutton — stated willingness to fix tattoos previously done by the individual
• Additional unnamed artists volunteered help in direct replies.
Inquiries can be made directly with the artists or shops for availability and details.
Editor’s note on comment moderation
The Cullman Tribune encourages public discussion on its social media platforms, especially surrounding public safety and criminal justice stories.
We allow a range of viewpoints, including grief, anger, fear and disagreement, as long as they remain lawful and do not include direct threats, graphic depictions of violence or hate speech.
Comments that violate platform rules or present a risk to individuals or the publication may be removed or hidden in accordance with newsroom policy and social media standards. This moderation is intended to safeguard respectful discourse and legal compliance, not to suppress legitimate public sentiment.
