Las Cruces, New Mexico – A Las Cruces tattoo artist was arrested after a reported sexual assault at a local shop prompted an investigation.
According to New Mexico State Police, agents arrested 42-year-old Billy J. Porter on April 10 following an investigation into an alleged incident involving a 19-year-old woman.
Authorities said the case began when the Las Cruces Police Department contacted the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau requesting assistance. Investigators learned the woman went to Porter House Ink and Tattoo on April 8 to receive a tattoo.
During the visit, Porter allegedly began pouring alcohol and encouraging the woman to drink. After some time had passed and other employees left the business, his behavior allegedly changed. Investigators said Porter then allegedly groped and bit the woman, and the incident escalated into sexual abuse.
The woman later reported the incident to the Las Cruces Police Department, prompting the investigation.
According to state police, agents obtained an arrest warrant and took Porter into custody without incident. A search warrant was also executed at the tattoo parlor as part of the investigation.
Porter was booked into the Dona Ana County Detention Center. He is charged with four counts of criminal sexual penetration, one count of criminal sexual contact, and one count of selling or giving alcoholic beverages to a minor.
The case remains under investigation, and authorities have not released additional details.
The incident may raise safety concerns for young adults and students frequenting local businesses.
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