CLIVE, Iowa — A local tattoo artist has been arrested after police say two victims reported being sexually assaulted at a tattoo shop the artist worked at.

According to the Clive Police Department, a victim came forward on May 15 and reported being sexually assaulted by an artist during an appointment at a Clive tattoo shop. Several days later a second victim came forward and also reported being sexually assaulted while at the same tattoo shop, police said.

As a result of the investigation, local tattoo artist Mark Cates, 27, was arrested and charged with two counts of assault with intent to commit sex abuse on Friday. According to police, Cates was employed at the Clive tattoo shop when the alleged assaults occurred.

The Clive Police Department said support services are being offered to the victims and encourages any other potential victims to contact the department.

“We recognize how difficult it can be to come forward after experiencing something traumatic, and how we want anyone who feels uncomfortable or violated to know they are not alone. Even if you’re unsure about what happened, reaching out to law enforcement can be a crucial step. We approach these situations with respect, discretion, and a commitment to taking every report seriously,” Officer Courtney Owen, a sex assault advocate and the lead investigator of the case said in a statement.

Anyone with information about the case can contact the Clive Police Department through Westcom dispatch at (515)222-3321.

Metro News: