The photo on the left is his (Yearick) “front” mugshot.
Gauging can be seen on enlargement.
Profile mugshots would have likely been with hair down, obstructing the gauge in his ears.
A FOIA request of his arrest description would include any “identifying marks, tattoos and piercings”
Again, the right ear gauge can be seen on slight enlargement of that photo.
Ears are distinct identifying characteristics, so I don’t think they’d let him cover his ear with his hair.