Los Angeles tattoo artist arrested on suspicion of sexual assault, police seek additional victims

A 28-year-old Los Angeles tattoo artist has been arrested on suspicion of sexual assault, authorities said Monday.

The reported assaults occurred in December 2023 and February 2024. Detectives are currently seeking additional victims and witnesses of unreported assaults.

The suspect was identified as 28-year-old Charles Wayne Wilkerson IV, who authorities say also uses the name “Franko” and creates rap music under the name “Franko Khalifa.” Wilkerson is known on Instagram as “frankokhalifa,” according to authorities.

“He preyed upon young women who hired him for his tattoo artistry,” said Detective Robert Smey in a statement from 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.”

One of the assaults reported to detectives took place at Wilkerson’s tattoo shop in the Newton area of Los Angeles, while the other reported assault took place at a residence in the LAPD’s Southwest Division, which covers the southwest area of the city, including areas such as Leimert Park, West Adams, Crenshaw and Baldwin Hills. The victims in both assaults were 25-year-old women, the LAPD said in a statement.

Wilkerson was arrested on Oct. 29 and charged with four counts of felony sexual assault on Nov. 20. He is currently in custody pending a preliminary hearing.

LAPD detectives ask 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 .