An FBI agent has been charged with sexually assaulting two women in Maryland after allegedly contacting them through social media with promises of free tattoos and modelling work. Eduardo Valdivia, 40, from Gaithersburg, Maryland, faces felony and misdemeanor charges, including two counts of second-degree rape, following the incidents that took place in May and September of 2024.
The victims, both women in their 20s, were unaware that Valdivia, who went by aliases such as “Lalo Brown” and “El Boogie,” was an FBI agent when he reached out to them through Instagram. Police say he used an account linked to a tattoo parlour in Gaithersburg to lure the women in with promises of modelling contracts. Once in contact, Valdivia allegedly sexually assaulted them during photo shoots at a tattoo studio and a hotel.
Both women told the police they feared further harm if they resisted or attempted to leave, according to a police affidavit. Valdivia also allegedly threatened legal action if they did not return for additional modelling sessions.
Valdivia’s defence 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, “but you’ve got to be realistic about the nature of what was going on. This was not criminal conduct.”
Montgomery County Assistant Police chief Nicholas Augustine praised the bravery of the victims who came forward, suggesting their actions likely prevented others from falling victim to similar assaults. “I would like to thank the victims that did come forward. They have now stopped this contact going on in our community,” he said.
The FBI has suspended Valdivia from his duties pending the outcome of the investigation. A spokesperson said, “The FBI takes allegations of criminal violations and misconduct very seriously.”
During a court hearing, it was revealed that a third potential victim had already come forward. Valdivia was ordered to remain in jail without bond because he is considered a danger to the community.
In a separate case, Valdivia was previously charged and acquitted of attempted second-degree murder and other charges in connection with a shooting incident on a Metro train near Washington, DC., in December 2020.
