GREENBELT, Md. — A Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation has been arrested for a disturbing series of alleged sexual assaults connected to a tattoo shop he operated in Montgomery County.
Eduardo Valdivia, 40, of Gaithersburg, a supervisory special agent with the FBI, faces an array of serious charges, including six counts of second-degree rape, two counts of fourth-degree sexual offense, and eight counts of second-degree assault. The charges stem from incidents involving two women who were lured to Valdivia's tattoo studio, DC Fine Line Tattoos, under the guise of free tattoos and lucrative modeling contracts. Authorities believe there may be additional victims and are urging anyone with information to come forward.
Operating under the Instagram alias “Lalo Brown,” Valdivia used DC Fine Line Tattoos, located on the 9800 block of Washingtonian Boulevard, as the epicenter of his alleged scheme. Promising free tattoos and modeling opportunities with "Exeter Models," Valdivia communicated with victims who thought they were interacting with a professional female modeling agent.
The first victim reported her encounter in October 2024. After receiving a tattoo from Valdivia, she was presented with a modeling contract during a follow-up visit. However, the meeting took a dark turn when Valdivia allegedly assaulted her during what was framed as a photoshoot. Weeks later, the nightmare repeated itself in a Marriott Courtyard, where the victim was lured under the pretense of finalizing her modeling contract, according to police.
A second victim came forward in November with an eerily similar account. She too received a free tattoo and was later coerced into a photoshoot at the studio, where she was sexually assaulted.
Valdivia’s dual identities as a federal agent and tattoo artist raise serious questions about abuse of power and trust. He leased the studio space on Washingtonian Boulevard, presenting himself as a professional artist and entrepreneur while allegedly using his position to target vulnerable women.
Assistant Chief Nicholas Augustine announced Valdivia’s arrest on Tuesday.
Valdivia is currently being held at the Montgomery County Central Processing Unit, awaiting a bond hearing.
Authorities suspect there may be additional victims who have yet to report their experiences. Detectives from the Special Victims Investigations Division are urging anyone who may have been victimized or has information about Valdivia’s activities to contact them at 240-773-5400.