LOS ANGELES, CA – Authorities are seeking additional victims and witnesses in connection with a series of sexual assaults allegedly committed by a well-known Los Angeles tattoo artist, police announced Monday.
Charles Wayne Wilkerson IV, 28, was arrested on Oct. 29 and is accused of assaulting two women, according to a news release from the Los Angeles Police Department.
The alleged assaults took place at Wilkerson’s tattoo shop in South Central Los Angeles in December 2023 and at a private residence in February 2024. Both victims are 25-year-old women, police said.
Wilkerson, who also goes by the name “Franko,” is known on Instagram as “frankokhalifa” and performs as a rapper under the name “Franko Khalifa.”
Charges Filed
On Nov. 20, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office charged Wilkerson with multiple felonies, including two counts of rape of a drugged or intoxicated victim, one count of forced oral copulation, and one count of oral copulation by anesthesia or a controlled substance.
“He preyed upon young women who hired him for his tattoo artistry,” said Detective Robert Smey of the LAPD Southwest Division. “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.”
Appeal for Additional Victims
Authorities have released Wilkerson’s photo, urging any additional victims or witnesses to come forward.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact LAPD’s Southwest Division Sexual Assault investigators at 323-290-2976. Anonymous tips can be submitted through the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers Hotline at 800-222-8477 or online at lacrimestoppers.org.
The investigation remains ongoing.
