Police are searching for additional potential victims of a popular Los Angeles tattoo artist and rapper known as “Franko Khalifa” who was arrested for alleged sexual abuse.
The investigation began when Los Angeles Police Department officers became aware of two separate allegations, one that occurred on December 18, 2023 and the other on February 16, 2024, against 28-year-old Charles Wayne Wilkerson IV. Police.
He was arrested Oct. 29 and remains behind bars on $300,000 bail, police said.
Last week, Wilkerson was charged with two counts of rape by intoxication and single counts of forcible oral copulation and oral copulation of an intoxicated victim. He pleaded not guilty and is due back in court next week, police said.
They released Wilkerson’s photo on Monday in hopes that any additional victims can come forward.
“Wilkerson is known on Instagram as Frankokahlifa and also uses the name Franko,” LAPD said in a statement. “Wilkerson also makes rap music under the name Franko Khalifa.”
Investigators alleged that he would prey on a young woman who hired him for tattoo work.
“Once he had won their trust, the attack took place,” they said. “Now that these brave young women have told their stories, hopefully more people will be encouraged to come forward and seek justice.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact the LAPD at (323) 290-2976.
