An FBI agent has found himself at the center of grave allegations, having been charged with multiple counts of sexual assault. Eduardo Valdivia, 40, was arrested on November 26, 2024, after two women accused him of luring them to his tattoo studio under the pretense of modeling opportunities, only to sexually assault them. The incidents allegedly occurred at DC Fine Line Tattoos, which Valdivia operated on Washingtonian Boulevard, Gaithersburg, Maryland.
Both women, who are believed to be in their 20s, reported their terrifying experiences to the Montgomery County Police. They claimed Valdivia utilized social media and false identities, including the name "Lalo Brown," to entice them. The women were under the impression they were communicating with another woman when they responded to his Facebook and Instagram ads promoting both tattoo services and modeling work.
According to court documents, one woman reported being offered free tattoos and modeling gigs, leading her to Valdivia's studio. After initially receiving her tattoo, she returned for what was promised to be a modeling photo shoot, during which she was sexually assaulted. During the second encounter, at a hotel, Valdivia again assaulted her, threatening legal action if she did not comply with her modeling contract.
The second victim came forward similarly, sharing her horrifying account of being coerced by Valdivia after being promised modeling opportunities. Montgomery County Assistant Chief Nicholas Augustine highlighted during a press conference the fear instilled by Valdivia’s manipulative tactics, which included coercive contracts intended to silence his victims.
“We want the community to know, no matter if you sign a contract, it does not grant anyone immunity from committing sexual assault,” Augustine said, emphasizing the seriousness of the issue and calling on other potential victims to come forward.
These allegations are particularly shocking considering Valdivia’s previous legal history. Two years prior, he had been acquitted of attempted murder charges stemming from a shooting incident on the Washington, D.C. Metro. On December 15, 2020, Valdivia shot another passenger on the train after what his defense claimed was self-defense following a verbal exchange.
The acquittal rejoiced some, but now the FBI has suspended Valdivia pending investigation outcomes. The FBI Washington Field Office released a statement affirming its commitment to cooperating fully with the outlying police investigation. “The FBI takes allegations of criminal violations and misconduct very seriously,” the statement read, with officials refraining from commenting directly on the case due to its sensitive nature.
Valdivia’s attorney, Robert Bonsib, has publicly stated his intention to challenge the charges, asserting his client’s innocence and downplaying the validity of the victims’ claims. “Let them bring it on. The first two aren’t victims any more than presumably this third person is going to be,” Bonsib remarked, arguing for the need to evaluate all evidence before arriving at conclusions.
Despite such assertions, the Montgomery County Police have characterized the situation urgently, deeming Valdivia to be “a danger to the community and flight risk.” A judge ordered him to remain in custody without bond as police continue their search for additional victims. Investigators fear Valdivia has targeted more individuals and are determined to unearth other potential cases.
Given the alarming nature of these accusations, many are left wondering about the safety measures within the FBI and how such egregious behavior could go unchecked. The chilling tale serves as both a reminder and warning about potential abuses of power and the necessity for transparency once misconduct is alleged.
Throughout this ordeal, the importance of creating environments where victims feel empowered to come forward remains evident. Strong messages from law enforcement like those from Augustine are pivotal; they aim to erase the stigma surrounding reporting sexual abuse and facilitate support for those who have been violated.
Authorities have highlighted the urgency of the investigation as they continue to gather evidence, which includes examining potential surveillance footage and additional claims from the victims. The goal is clear: to hold accountable those who misuse their roles of authority for heinous acts against innocent individuals.
