Charles Wilkerson, a 28-year-old tattoo artist based in Los Angeles, is facing felony charges in connection to s*xual assaults. The Los Angeles Police Department has shared a press release in which they confirmed that Wilkerson had been taken into police custody. The police also released his picture and identity to ensure public safety.
On Monday, officials announced they had arrested Charles Wayne Wilkerson IV on October 29. They revealed that the arrest had been made in connection to two s*xual assault cases.
Reportedly, the first assault took place at Wilkerson's tattoo shop in December 2023 while the second one happened in February 2024. Both of his alleged victims were 25 years old according to the authorities.
What are the charges Charles Wilkerson is facing?
The L.A. County District Attorney's Office has charged Charles Wilkerson with two counts of r*pe of an intoxicated or drugged victim. He is also facing one count of forced oral copulation and one count of oral copulation by controlled substance or anesthesia.
In the news release, Detective Robert Smey, a Southwest Division S*xual Assault Investigator, revealed Wilkerson's alleged pattern of assault. He claimed that the Los Angeles-based tattoo artist reportedly assaulted young women who came to him for tattoo work. Upon gaining their trust, he allegedly assaulted them.
Detective Smey also added that the department is hoping for more brave women to come up and report if they have ever been prey to such assault by Wilkerson.
According to KTLA, the release wrote,
"He preyed upon young women who hired him for his tattoo artistry."
"Once he gained their trust, the assaults occurred. Now that these brave young women have told their story, hopefully, more will be encouraged to step forward and seek justice," the investigator further added.
Detectives have released Wilkerson's photo online hoping that any potential victim will be able to come forward and report the assault.
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Charles Wilkerson goes by the name Franko. He has an Instagram handle under the name "frankokhalifa" and creates rap music as "Franko Khalifa." Authorities have requested anyone with more information to reach out to LAPD's Southwest Division S*xual Assault investigations.
Victims may stay anonymous while reporting anything against Wilkerson. Those who do not wish to reveal their identity can leave tips at the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers Hotline.
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