A Los Angeles tattoo artist has been arrested and charged with sexual assault, the Los Angeles Police Department announced Monday.
Charles Wayne Wilkerson IV, 28, is currently being held on $300,000 bail after being taken into custody on October 29, police said, and investigators are searching for additional victims. He added that he is investigating the possibility of
Detectives began investigating two separate sexual assault allegations against Wilkerson, reported on December 18, 2023 and February 16, 2024.
The Los Angeles Police Department released a photo of the suspect in hopes of encouraging other potential victims to come forward.
Detectives released a photo of Charles Wayne Wilkerson IV, also known as Franco Califa, on Instagram.
Robert Smay, a sexual assault detective with the Los Angeles Police Department’s Southwest Division, alleged that Mr. Wilkerson would prey on young women he sought to hire as tattoo artists.
“Once trust was gained, the assault occurred. I hope that now that these brave young women have spoken out about their experiences, more people will be inspired to come forward and demand justice.” said.
“Wilkerson is known as Franco Khalifa on Instagram and also uses the name Franco. Additionally, Wilkerson also produces rap music under the name Franco Khalifa,” police said in a statement. said.
He was charged last week with two counts of drug-induced rape and one count of forcible oral copulation and oral copulation of an intoxicated victim, according to court records. He pleaded not guilty and was scheduled to return to court on December 5th.
Anyone with information about the alleged assault or additional victims is asked to contact Los Angeles Police Department Southwest Division Sexual Assault Detectives at 323-290-2976.
Source link
