Sex Assault Probe in Valley Continues

Investigators on Thursday sought more possible victims of a North Hollywood tattoo artist who has pleaded not guilty to charges of molesting two 16-year-old girls at his business.

Daniel Victor Rivas, 46, was arrested Tuesday on a felony warrant alleging sexual assault on the girls after tattooing their lower backs between May 2000 and March of this year, Det. Blair Grabiak of the Los Angeles Police Department’s North Hollywood Division said.

“From a canvass of the area and talking to students at local high schools, we have learned that Rivas had a reputation for tattooing juveniles without checking them for an ID,” Grabiak said. “More victims may be out there.”

Rivas pleaded not guilty Wednesday to two felony counts of sexual assault and five misdemeanor counts--two involving sexual battery and three involving the tattooing of a person younger than 18, Deputy Dist. Atty. Andrew Bassis said. Rivas faces five years in prison if convicted.

Rivas has owned Dr. John’s Tattoos in the 6600 block of Lankershim Boulevard for several years, usually working alone but occasionally receiving help from his girlfriend, neighbors said. The tattoo parlor, decorated with neon lights and a flaming dragon, is usually busy and full of girls, the neighbors said.

“The victims in these assaults were apprehensive about reporting the assaults since they were under 18 years of age and did not have their parents’ permission,” Grabiak said. Rivas is being held at the Men’s Central Jail in lieu of $100,000 bail. He is to appear in Van Nuys Superior Court on May 13 for a preliminary hearing. Other possible victims are asked to call detectives at (818) 623-4965.