Billy J. Porter faces five charges, including three counts of second-degree criminal sexual penetration, after a Doña Ana County grand jury indictment
Damien Willis, Organ Mountain News
LAS CRUCES - A Doña Ana County grand jury has indicted a Las Cruces tattoo artist who is already being held without bond in connection with an alleged sexual assault earlier this month.
Billy J. Porter was indicted Tuesday on multiple felony charges, including three counts of second-degree criminal sexual penetration resulting in personal injury, one count of fourth-degree criminal sexual contact resulting in personal injury and one count of providing alcohol to a minor, according to court records.
The charges stem from an alleged incident that 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.
Damien Willis
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.
The case has moved to district court, where Porter is scheduled to be arraigned Monday. He remains in custody following a pretrial detention ruling earlier this month.
In a related case in magistrate court, a hearing on a petition for a longer-term protection order against Porter has been continued.
The petitioner requested the delay, citing ongoing preparation of police reports, the need to identify witnesses, and continued trauma affecting her ability to testify, according to a motion filed in the case.
A new hearing on the protection order has been scheduled for Oct. 22.
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.
Las Cruces man accused of firing gun during house party shooting incident — Police say a 19-year-old fired toward a vehicle after gunfire erupted outside a house party near Chinook and Mohican.
Independent candidate for NM governor Ken Miyagishima says he uses ‘policies from all parties’ — The former Las Cruces mayor outlined positions on immigration, tourism and governance after leaving the Democratic primary.
¡mira! Las Cruces kicks off Friday with new night events, road closures downtown — The free two-day festival includes live music, food vendors, lucha libre, a drone show and will lead to downtown street closures.
