Las Cruces tattoo artist charged with multiple sexual assault counts; prosecutors seek to keep him jailed pending trial
A Las Cruces tattoo artist faces multiple felony sexual assault charges, and prosecutors are seeking to keep him jailed pending trial, according to court records.
Court records allege April 8 assault at Porter House Ink and say the defendant used a cellphone to record the alleged incident
Damien Willis, Organ Mountain News
LAS CRUCES - A Las Cruces tattoo artist is facing multiple felony charges, including criminal sexual penetration, after an alleged assault at a local tattoo shop earlier this month. Prosecutors are now seeking to keep him in custody pending trial, arguing he poses a danger to the community.
Billy Joe Porter, 42, was arrested April 10 and is being held without bond at the Doña Ana County Detention Center, according to booking records.
A criminal complaint filed in Doña Ana County Magistrate Court charges Porter with four counts of criminal sexual penetration in the second degree (resulting in personal injury), one count of criminal sexual contact in the fourth degree (personal injury) and one count of selling or giving alcoholic beverages to a minor.
Allegations detailed in court filings
According to an affidavit filed in the case, the alleged incident occurred April 8 at Porter House Ink Piercing and Tattoo, located at 1204 E. Lohman Ave in Las Cruces. Investigators allege Porter provided alcohol to the victim, who was under the legal drinking age, and later assaulted her during the appointment.
The victim later reported the incident to police. Court records state that law enforcement collected evidence, including photographs of injuries and forensic samples, and that the victim underwent a sexual assault examination documenting multiple injuries.
Prosecutors seek pretrial detention
In a motion filed April 13, prosecutors asked a district court judge to order Porter held in custody pending trial, citing the severity of the charges and the alleged circumstances of the case.
"Such an order is appropriate because no release conditions for this Defendant will protect the safety of others or the community itself," the filing states.
The motion also alleges that Porter used his cellphone to record the alleged incident.
Prior history cited in motion
Prosecutors also cited Porter’s criminal history in arguing for detention, including prior felony convictions. The motion references a previous case in 2022 involving similar allegations that was ultimately dismissed.
Court records state prosecutors intend to pursue a grand jury indictment in the case.
A judge has not yet ruled on the state’s request for pretrial detention. Porter is scheduled to appear in court in connection with the charges.
Damien Willis is founder and editor of Organ Mountain News. If you have a personal story to share or a lead we should follow up on, reach out at OrganMountainNews@gmail.com or connect with him on X at @damienwillis.
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