Police Monday sought additional possible victims in a series of sexual assaults allegedly linked to a 28-year-old tattoo artist who was taken into custody.
Detectives began investigating two separate sexual assault allegations against Charles Wayne Wilkerson IV, reported on Dec. 18, 2023, and Feb. 16, 2024, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
Wilkerson was taken into custody Oct. 29 after being located by LAPD Operations South Bureau officers and was being held on $300,000 bail.
He was charged last week with two counts of rape by use of drugs and single counts of forcible oral copulation and oral copulation of an intoxicated victim, according to court records. He pleaded not guilty and is due back in court Dec. 5.
Detectives released a photo of the suspect Monday in hopes of encouraging other possible victims to come forward.
“Wilkerson is known on Instagram as Frankokhalifa and also uses the name Franko. In addition, Wilkerson creates rap music under the name Franko Khalifa,” police said in a statement.
LAPD Southwest Division Sexual Assault Detective Robert Smey alleged that Wilkerson would prey upon young women who would hire him for tattoo artistry.
“Once he gained their trust, the assault occurred. Now that these brave young women have told their story. Hopefully, more will be encouraged to step forward and seek justice,” Smey said.
Anyone with information about the alleged assaults or additional victims seeking to come forward was urged to contact LAPD Southwest Division Sexual Assault detectives at 323-290-2976. Calls during non-business hours should be directed to 877-527-3247. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or visit lacrimestoppers.org.