Sewickley piercing shop owner accused of offering teen girl money for sex

Editor’s note: Watson was acquitted of all charges following a jury trial in October before Allegheny County Common Pleas Judge Bruce Beemer. The charges have since been expunged from Watson’s record.

The owner of a Sewickley piercing shop faces charges after police say he offered a 17-year-old girl money to have sex with him.

Zachary Watson, 33, is also accused of touching the girl inappropriately and threatening her, according to a criminal complaint.

The girl began working at Genisys Body Arts in June. Upon hiring the girl, Watson told her she had to sign a non-disclosure agreement to work at the shop, the complaint says.

During her first days of employment, the girl said Watson would make inappropriate comments about his wife and customers.

Then, in July, less than three weeks after she was hired, the girl said Watson offered her money for sexual favors. The girl “continued to decline” multiple offers, the complaint says.

After this happened, the girl says Watson mentioned the NDA he wanted her to sign. She told police she signed the NDA “to get him to leave her alone.”

Later that day, Watson offered to pierce the girl’s ears for free. During the piercing, Watson is accused of touching the girl inappropriately and attempting to kiss her.

At the end of the day, the girl said Watson again offered her money to have sex with him.

After she declined, the girl said Watson told her it could “ruin his life” if people knew about the offers, the complaint says.

Watson is also accused of telling the girl, “You know I’m former military, right? We kill people.” The girl said he then gestured to two firearms on his desk.

Through his attorney, Watson on Wednesday denied the allegations.

“My client maintains his innocence and we look forward to the preliminary hearing,” said Watson’s attorney, Sean Logue.

According to Genisys Body Arts’ website, Watson served in the U.S. Air Force. He opened the shop in 2019.

Watson faces charges for promoting prostitution, corruption of minors, terroristic threats, indecent assault and intimidation of victims.

A hearing is scheduled for Aug. 30.