Judge grants temporary protection order against Las Cruces tattoo artist after assault allegations
A judge has granted a temporary protection order against a Las Cruces tattoo artist charged with sexual assault, alleging threats and ongoing safety concerns in new court filings.
New court filings detail alleged April 8 incident and raise additional safety concerns
Damien Willis, Organ Mountain News
LAS CRUCES - A judge has granted a temporary order of protection against a Las Cruces tattoo artist charged with multiple felony sexual assault counts, after a woman alleged threats and feared for her safety in court filings submitted Monday.
The petition, filed in Doña Ana County District Court, stems from the same April 8 incident that led to criminal charges against Billy Joe Porter, 42.
In the filing, the petitioner alleges Porter assaulted her during a tattoo appointment at his Las Cruces shop — Porter House Ink Piercing and Tattoo, 1204 E. Lohman Ave — and later made threats that left her fearing for her safety and the safety of her family.
Filing includes first-person account
In a handwritten statement included with the petition, the woman describes going to the shop for a tattoo earlier that day and says Porter began drinking during the appointment before the situation escalated later in the evening.
She writes that she does not want to see him again and is afraid of what could happen if she encounters him.
Additional allegations outlined in petition
The filing also includes allegations that the petitioner was physically restrained and threatened during the incident.
In the petition, she states she fears further harm and is seeking a court order to prevent contact.
Second petition names woman identified as wife
A separate petition for an order of protection was also filed the same day naming Andrea Porter as a respondent.
In that filing, the petitioner alleges harassment and identifies Andrea Porter as the wife of Billy Joe Porter.
Related criminal case remains pending
Porter was arrested April 10 and is being held without bond at the Doña Ana County Detention Center on multiple felony charges, including criminal sexual penetration. Prosecutors have also filed a motion seeking to keep him in custody pending trial.
On Monday afternoon, a judge granted a temporary order of protection against Billy Joe Porter, finding probable cause an act of domestic abuse occurred, according to court records.
The order prohibits Porter from contacting the petitioner, requires him to stay away from her home, workplace and other locations, and bars him from posting about her on social media.
A hearing on whether a longer-term order of protection should be issued is scheduled for April 22 at 8:30 a.m. in Doña Ana County District Court.
As of Tuesday morning, court records did not yet reflect a ruling on a separate petition seeking an order of protection against Andrea Porter.
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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