After more than 20 years on the streets, Erik Eck earned the title of regional enforcer with his gang. And he has the tattoos to prove it.
WHEATON, Ill. -- All of the gang tattoos are now removed or covered up. It is part of Eck's commitment to saying goodbye to his old life.
After spending ten of the last 12 years in jail for various crimes, Eck is now taking part in an innovative rehabilitation program at the DuPage County Jail. Inmates are getting help with addiction, mental health, education and career training. And for many that means leaving the gang life-- including tattoos that have been a part of their identity since their early teens.But now, Guzman says no more. His tattoos are being removed.
"When you take your tattoos off you can't go back. It's like taking your colors off. You can't go back to the gangland. You're not welcome there," said James Mendrick, DuPage County Sheriff. "They could still bond me out. It's just, I feel way better this way. Covering my tattoos, not having a brand on me," Merinez said.
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