Federal agent charged with rape at tattoo shop
- Eduardo Valdivia, a 40-year-old FBI Special Agent, is accused of sexually assaulting two women in his Gaithersburg tattoo shop.
- The victims were allegedly lured to the studio under false promises related to modeling opportunities.
- Both women have identified Valdivia as their assailant, raising concerns about the possibility of more victims.
In October 2024, Eduardo Valdivia, a 40-year-old Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and owner of DC Fine Line Tattoos in Gaithersburg, Maryland, was accused of sexually assaulting two women. The first victim reported the incident to police, claiming she was raped by Valdivia, who she knew as 'Lalo Brown.' Shortly after, a second victim came forward with a similar account of sexual assault. Both women indicated that they were lured to Valdivia's tattoo studio under the false promise of modeling opportunities with Exeter Models, believing they were communicating with a woman regarding these opportunities. The investigation revealed that both victims positively identified Valdivia as the perpetrator, leading to the charges against him. Valdivia now faces multiple charges, including two counts of second-degree rape, four counts of fourth-degree sexual offense, and four counts of second-degree assault. Authorities are concerned there may be additional victims and are urging anyone with information, or those who believe they were victimized by Valdivia, to reach out to the Special Victims Investigations Division. Valdivia was taken into custody following the investigation and is currently being held at the Montgomery County Central Processing Unit, awaiting a bond hearing. The nature of the accusations against a federal agent, combined with the alleged tactics used to lure victims, raises serious questions about safety and trust in law enforcement officials. This case not only focuses on the actions of Valdivia but also highlights the potential for abuse of power among individuals in positions of authority. As the investigation continues, the consequences for Valdivia could be significant, both legally and in terms of public perception. Additionally, the manner in which victims were allegedly manipulated points to a broader issue of exploitation within certain professions. The response from law enforcement currently pursuing this case may have implications for how similar cases are handled in the future, especially concerning the treatment of victims and the importance of believing those who come forward with such serious allegations.