Tattoo Artist Allegedly Kidnapped, Beat Teen Lover. Then His Wife and Their Nanny Joined In: Prosecutors

Tattoo artist accused of kidnapping and beating teenage lover, with the alleged participation of his wife and nanny

Allegations have surfaced against a New York tattoo artist, claiming that he, along with his wife and the family nanny, brutally attacked a 19-year-old female employee in May. The victim, also reported to be romantically involved with the man, survived the incident and subsequently reported it to the authorities. The accused individuals, identified as Wayne Barnes, Jasmine Barnes, and Lizbeth Cerrato-Sanchez, have been indicted in connection with the alleged assaults, as stated by the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office.

According to the authorities, the series of assaults unfolded when Wayne Barnes, the 43-year-old owner of Sons of Ink tattoo parlor, was driving the young employee to her residence in Queens. A heated argument ensued between the two, resulting in Wayne forcing the victim out of the car on the Grand Central Parkway in Queens. After allowing her back into the vehicle, Wayne allegedly assaulted her multiple times with a metal baton. Subsequently, Wayne picked up his wife Jasmine, who reportedly entered the car donning black gloves and carrying another baton.

Upon reaching their home in Westchester County, the couple allegedly dragged the victim inside, where Jasmine proceeded to push her down a flight of stairs. The victim was reportedly further subjected to physical harm by being struck with the baton by Jasmine and punched by Cerrato-Sanchez, who had been caring for the Barnes children at the time. Despite Cerrato-Sanchez eventually leaving the residence, the assaults continued, with the couple continuing to threaten the victim before finally allowing her to leave after she persuaded Jasmine to do so.

The victim promptly reported the incident to the Greenburgh Police Department the following day, leading to the arrest of the Barneses and Cerrato-Sanchez on May 20. Wayne Barnes faces charges of kidnapping, possession of a weapon, and various counts of assault, while Jasmine Barnes has been charged with kidnapping, menacing, possession of a weapon, and two counts of assault. Both individuals were released on bail, with Wayne’s set at $300,000, and are scheduled to appear in court on July 29. On the other hand, Cerrato-Sanchez, facing charges of assault and possession of a weapon, was released on a $10,000 bond, with her court date set for August 7.

Although the motive behind the alleged crimes was not explicitly mentioned by authorities, the seriousness of the accusations has sparked widespread concern. Instances of domestic violence, such as this one, underscore the importance of recognising and addressing such issues promptly and effectively. Domestic violence helplines, such as the National Domestic Violence Hotline, play a crucial role in providing support and assistance to individuals experiencing such distressing situations.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the prevalence of domestic violence and the critical need for intervention and prevention strategies to safeguard vulnerable individuals. The legal proceedings that follow will shed more light on the circumstances surrounding this disturbing incident and will hopefully deliver justice for the victim. Such cases highlight the significance of creating a safe and supportive environment for individuals to report instances of abuse without fear, ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.