Tattoo Artist Accused Of Raping Clients, Police Seek Victims: LAPD

LOS ANGELES, CA —Authorities suspect a Los Angeles tattoo artist and rapper sexually assaulted multiple women, and detectives asked additional victims to come forward Monday.

Police arrested 28-year-old Charles Wayne Wilkerson IV on suspicion of sexually assaulting two customers, the Los Angeles Police Department announced Monday.

“He preyed upon young women who hired him for his tattoo artistry,” said LAPD Detective Robert Smey, a Southwest Division Sexual Assault Investigator. “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 first alleged attack happened Dec. 18 at Wilkerson’s tattoo shop located in the Newton area, and the second occurred Feb, 16 in a home in the Southwest Los Angeles area, according to the LAPD. Both of the women were 25-year-old tattoo customers.

On Wednesday, prosecutors charged Wilkerson with four felony sexual assault counts including two counts of the rape of a drugged or intoxicated person, forcible oral copulation, and oral copulation by anesthesia or controlled substance.

"Detectives are releasing Wilkerson’s photo, seeking additional victims of unreported sexual
assaults by Wilkerson," the LAPD announced in a written statement.

Wilkerson is known on Instagram as “frankokhalifa,” and he also uses the name “Franko.” He creates rap music under the name “Franko Khalifa.”

Detectives are asking anyone with information that could lead to the identification of
additional victims or witnesses to contact LAPD’s Southwest Division, Sexual Assault
Detectives, at 323-290-2976. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should
call the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.