PEORIA, Ill. (25 News) – Jurors were selected Monday in the trial of a Peoria tattoo artist charged with grooming a minor.
34-year-old Mario Davis was arrested on June 3 for allegedly sending sexually explicit texts to a 16-year-old using Snapchat.
In a statement shortly after his arrest, the Peoria County State’s Attorney said Davis allegedly sent the girl explicit material even though he knew her age.
According to 25 News, prosecutors said detectives confirmed that the Snapchat account used to communicate with the teenager was registered to Davis.
GPS data from Snapchat indicated the conversation happened in or near Davis’ home, and the chat was found in his phone’s Snapchat data, the State’s Attorney’s Office said.
Opening statements in the trial are scheduled to begin Tuesday morning, with testimony to follow.
Grooming is a Class 4 felony, carrying a possible 1-to-3-year prison sentence if Davis is convicted. He could also receive probation.
Peoria County Judge Katherine Gorman will preside over Davis’ trial.
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