A Gulf Shores tattoo artist accused of trying to rape a woman and later intimidating a witness will avoid trial after prosecutors agreed to a plea deal.
Daniel Crain pleaded guilty to intimidating a witness, a class C felony and one count of sexual misconduct. In exchange, other charges, including attempted rape, were dismissed.
Crain was sentenced to a 10-year split sentence with 90 days to serve in jail and three years of probation. He will also have to register as a sex offender.
Crain was first arrested in August of 2022 by Gulf Shores Police. Investigators said officers responded to a fight and sexual assault in progress in the parking lot of Mud Bugs Pub & Club around 2:56 a.m. When they arrived on the scene, the officers located an unconscious female. She was taken to the hospital for treatment, and witnesses told police that Crain, who worked at Patches Tattoo & Piercings in Gulf Shores, was responsible.
A witness who worked with Crain at the tattoo shop told 1819 News she received threats from Crain and filed a police report.
"It's been traumatizing, to say the least," she told 1819 News. "I mean, the amount of threats that we've received from people that support them has been traumatizing."
Several tattoo artists moved out of the business with a police escort shortly after threats were made.
Crain is barred from having contact with either victim.
To connect with the story's author or comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
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