An FBI agent in Maryland, Eduardo Valdivia, has been charged with sexually assaulting two women after allegedly luring them through social media with promises of free tattoos and modeling opportunities. Montgomery County police are urging other potential victims to step forward as the investigation continues.
Allegations of Assault
According to police, Valdivia, 40, used aliases, including “Lalo Brown” and “El Boogie,” to contact his victims via an Instagram account for a Gaithersburg-based tattoo studio. The alleged assaults occurred during photo shoots at the tattoo studio and a hotel.
The women, both in their 20s, told police they feared Valdivia might harm them further if they resisted. Valdivia also reportedly presented them with modeling contracts and threatened legal action if they refused to return for additional sessions.
Police Investigation
Montgomery County Assistant Police Chief Nicholas Augustine said detectives believe there may be more victims. “I would like to thank the victims that did come forward,” Augustine said. “Their bravery has likely prevented others from being victimized.”
Police began investigating the case in October after the victims overcame their initial reluctance, which stemmed from fears tied to contractual language in their modeling agreements.
Defense Denies Charges
Valdivia’s attorney, Robert Bonsib, argued that the interactions were consensual. “This conduct is not going to get you the first pew in the church,” Bonsib said outside the courthouse. “But this was not criminal conduct.”
During a bond hearing, Bonsib cited emails from the victims as evidence of consensual behavior but acknowledged that Valdivia used a fake identity, “Dr. Tiffany Kim,” to communicate about the modeling contracts.
FBI Suspension and Bond Ruling
Valdivia, who has been with the FBI since 2011 and served as a supervisory special agent since 2019, has been suspended pending the investigation. An FBI spokesperson stated, “The FBI takes allegations of criminal violations and misconduct very seriously.”
A state district court judge ordered Valdivia held without bond, citing him as a danger to the community and a flight risk. During the hearing, prosecutors revealed a third potential victim had come forward and was being interviewed by police.
Appeals for Other Victims
Police have urged anyone with information about additional incidents involving Valdivia to come forward. “We don’t know how long the business had been open, but he has been doing tattoos at least since February,” Augustine said.
The investigation remains ongoing, and Valdivia faces multiple charges, including two counts of second-degree rape. His next court appearance is scheduled for December.
