An FBI special agent has been charged with rape and assault in Maryland, involving two young women, according to police. This comes two years after the same agent, Eduardo Valdivia, was cleared of charges for a shooting on a Metro train near Washington, D.C.
Here’s what we know: Valdivia, 40, is facing ten charges, including second-degree rape and assault. Police say his actions began earlier this year, in February, when he allegedly lured the women—both in their 20s—through an Instagram account under a fake name. Valdivia reportedly invited them to a tattoo shop he operated in Gaithersburg, offering tattoos and promises of modeling gigs. The women had no idea he was an FBI agent.
On Monday, Valdivia was arrested, and during his bail hearing, the judge decided he would stay in custody, calling him a danger to the public and a flight risk. His next court date is set for December 20.
According to police, the first woman was offered a free tattoo in exchange for modeling his designs. Afterward, Valdivia promised to help her break into the modeling world. She later received an email inviting her to a “test photoshoot” back at the tattoo shop. During this shoot, Valdivia allegedly presented her with a modeling contract and then assaulted her. Fearing legal trouble, the woman agreed to meet him again for another shoot at a local hotel, where police say she was assaulted for a second time.
The second victim’s story follows a similar pattern. After getting a tattoo from Valdivia, she too was offered a photoshoot opportunity and a contract. Police allege she was also sexually assaulted during her shoot.
Detectives believe there could be more victims and are urging anyone with information to come forward.
For now, it’s unclear if Valdivia was actively working as an FBI agent during these alleged crimes, but police noted that the incidents happened during late-night and weekend hours. Valdivia has been with the FBI since 2011 and has been suspended while the investigation unfolds.
This isn’t the first time Valdivia has been in the spotlight. Back in December 2020, he was involved in a shooting on a Metro train. According to court records, Valdivia got into an argument with a man who asked him for money. When Valdivia refused, the man cursed at him. Valdivia told him to watch his mouth, which escalated the situation. The man reportedly got in Valdivia’s face, and Valdivia fired his gun, wounding the man. Valdivia claimed self-defense and was acquitted of all charges.
Now, the focus is on the latest allegations. The FBI has said it’s taking the case seriously and is cooperating with local authorities. For the two women involved, this case is about seeking justice for the trauma they say they endured, while investigators are working to piece together the full story.