GREENBELT, Md. — A Federal Bureau of Investigation supervisory special agent has been arrested in connection with a series of alleged sexual assaults tied to a tattoo studio he operated in Montgomery County.
Eduardo Valdivia, 40, of Gaithersburg, faces multiple charges, including six counts of second-degree rape, eight counts of second-degree assault, and two counts of fourth-degree sexual offense. Authorities allege that Valdivia used his tattoo studio, DC Fine Line Tattoos, located on Washingtonian Boulevard, as a front to lure victims under false promises of free tattoos and high-paying modeling contracts. Law enforcement officials are actively seeking additional information, as they believe there may be more victims.
Operating under the Instagram handle “Lalo Brown,” Valdivia allegedly posed as both a professional tattoo artist and a representative of a fake modeling agency, “Exeter Models.” Victims were reportedly deceived into believing they were communicating with a female modeling agent, leading them to trust Valdivia’s offers.
The first allegations surfaced in October 2024 when a woman reported being sexually assaulted after visiting Valdivia’s studio. She had initially received a tattoo from him and later returned for what she believed was a follow-up meeting to finalize a modeling contract. The encounter, which occurred during a photoshoot, turned violent. According to police, the same victim was later assaulted again at a Marriott Courtyard hotel, where she had been lured under the guise of contract discussions.
A second woman came forward in November with a similar story. She also received a tattoo from Valdivia and was later coerced into a photoshoot during which she was allegedly assaulted.
Valdivia’s dual roles as a federal agent and tattoo artist have raised serious concerns about an abuse of authority. While presenting himself as a skilled professional, investigators say he used his position to target and exploit vulnerable women.
Following his arrest, Assistant Chief Nicholas Augustine described the alleged crimes in detail, emphasizing the calculated nature of Valdivia’s actions. Augustine revealed that the victims were often contacted via email or social media, enticed with opportunities for free tattoos and test photoshoots before being victimized.
Valdivia appeared in court on Tuesday, where the judge denied him bail, citing concerns about community safety and flight risk. During the proceedings, a third victim came forward after Montgomery County Police held a press conference earlier in the day.
Valdivia is scheduled to appear in court again on December 20. Authorities are urging anyone who may have been affected or has relevant information to contact the Special Victims Investigations Division at (240) 773-5400.
