Tattoo artist sexually assaulted customers, CA officials say. More victims possible

A tattoo artist was arrested after being accused of sexually assaulting two women, California officials said.

Charles Wayne Wilkerson IV, 28, also known on Instagram as “Frankokhalifa,” was hired by the women on separate occasions for tattoos, according to a Nov. 25 news release by the Los Angeles Police Department.

“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,” Detective Robert Smey, a Southwest Division sexual assault investigator, said in the release.

In December 2023 and February 2024, Wilkerson, who creates rap music under the name “Franko Khalifa,” sexually assaulted one woman at his tattoo shop and another at a home, officers said.

Both women were 25 years old, officials said.

In November, Wilkerson was charged with rape of drug/intoxicated victim, forcible oral copulation, and oral copulation by anesthesia or controlled substance, officials said.

He pleaded not guilty and is scheduled to reappear in court Dec. 5, NBC Los Angeles reported.

Police believe there may be more victims, and anyone with information is asked to call 323-290-2976, according to officers.

This story was originally published November 26, 2024 at 10:28 AM with the headline "Tattoo artist sexually assaulted customers, CA officials say. More victims possible."