A Bronx man already on the sex offender registry is now facing a 10-count federal indictment, with prosecutors saying he used social media and an unlicensed tattoo setup to lure, drug and sexually abuse teenage girls, sometimes recording the attacks on video. Andrew Wilkinson, 36, was arraigned Tuesday in federal court and is accused of targeting at least three minors, including one girl who was 15 when she was allegedly filmed.
According to the United States Attorney's Office, Southern District of New York, Wilkinson used the Instagram handle “@tattzbysteppa” to advertise free tattoos and connect with potential victims through an off-the-books tattoo operation. "As alleged, Andrew Wilkinson, a registered sex offender and serial predator, used social media to target vulnerable girls so he could drug them, sexually assault them, and film his abuse," U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton said in the office's statement.
Prosecutors Detail Alleged Tattoo-For-Teens Setup
Per the indictment filed in Manhattan federal court, Wilkinson allegedly lured three girls to the Bronx by promising free tattoos, then drugged and sexually assaulted them and, in at least one instance, recorded an underage victim. The charging document outlines specific encounters: on Jan. 27, 2025, prosecutors say Wilkinson recorded a sexually explicit video of a 15-year-old; in May 2025 he allegedly drugged and assaulted a 17-year-old who traveled from Long Island; and on July 23, 2025, he is accused of providing psilocin and methamphetamine to a 16-year-old and raping her while she was unconscious.
Charges And Possible Prison Time
The indictment brings counts that include sexual exploitation of a minor, coercion and enticement, and distribution of controlled substances, all tied to the alleged rapes and recordings. Federal law sets out stiff penalties: sexual-exploitation offenses under 18 U.S.C. § 2251 carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years; coercion and enticement under 18 U.S.C. § 2422 carries a minimum 10-year term or more; and controlled-substance distribution under 21 U.S.C. § 841 brings penalties that depend on the drug and quantity involved.
Arraignment, Judges And Tip Line
Wilkinson, identified in the indictment as 36 and of the Bronx, was arraigned Tuesday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ona T. Wang, and the case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Colleen McMahon, officials said. The U.S. Attorney’s Office has asked for information from possible victims or witnesses and listed a dedicated tip line at 212-637-0076 and case email at [email protected]. The office also posted the case announcement on X.
Online Grooming Allegations Fit A Wider Pattern
Prosecutors and victim advocates say the allegations echo a broader pattern in which predators use Instagram and other platforms to groom vulnerable teens with offers of money, gifts or services, a tactic that has surfaced in other New York cases. For one recent example, see coverage of a Manhattan "menace" case, and caregivers who suspect online enticement can report concerns to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children’s CyberTipline at report.cybertip.org or by calling 1-800-THE-LOST.
