Los Angeles police say a 28-year-old rapper has been arrested and charged with sexually assaulting two women he sought as a tattoo artist, and authorities believe there may be more victims.
Charles Wayne Wilkerson IV.
(Los Angeles Police Department)
Charles Wayne Wilkerson IV, an LA-based tattoo artist who goes by the rap name Franco Khalifa, was arrested on October 29, the Los Angeles Police Department announced in a news release Monday. Police say he is known as “Franco Khalifa” on Instagram and also uses the name “Franco.”
Investigators released Wilkerson’s photo in hopes of encouraging other potential victims to come forward.
Wilkerson is accused of sexually assaulting two 25-year-old women on separate occasions. The first alleged assault occurred at Wilkerson’s tattoo shop in Koreatown on Dec. 18, 2023, and the second assault occurred on Feb. 16 at a residence in the southwest part of the city, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. .
On November 20, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office indicted Wilkerson on four counts of felony sexual assault. Two of the charges involved rape of drugged/intoxicated victims. One case of forced oral copulation. Oral copulation under anesthesia or controlled substances.
Wilkerson remains in police custody awaiting a preliminary hearing.
“He preyed on young women who hired him for the artistry of their tattoos,” said LAPD Detectives. Sexual assault investigator Robert Smay said in a statement. “Once he gained their trust, the assaults occurred. Now that these brave young women have told their stories, we hope that more people will be encouraged to come forward and seek justice.” I hope.”
Anyone with information that may lead to the identification of additional victims or witnesses is asked to contact the LAPD Southwest Division at (323) 290-2976 or (877) 527-3247. Anonymous tips can be made to LA Regional Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477 or lacrimestoppers.org.
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