Jacksonville tattoo artist faces sexual battery charges, police search for more victims

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A well-known Jacksonville tattoo artist is facing three charges of sexual battery.

James Ranieri, 36, was arrested in Volusia County as a result of multiple investigations conducted by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, police said Thursday.

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JSO confirmed there are possibly more victims and encourages anyone with information to call.

Action News Jax’s Robert Grant spoke to one woman who said she stayed silent for nine years. After Ranieri’s arrest was announced, she called police.

“I was terrified at the time to say something,” she said. “I felt relief. I felt some anger. I felt upset.”

The woman claimed she was sexually assaulted, harassed and threatened by the 36-year-old who most recently owned a tattoo parlor in Riverside on Park Street.

“I still have issues with certain things and will always remember that. I was 20 years old and was robbed of a lot of time being angry,” she said.

Action News Jax spoke to another woman who said she almost became a victim. The woman turned Ranieri down when he came on to her, she claimed.

“Just because I say no — doesn’t give you the right to be aggressive towards me. He was extremely aggressive. He said every curse word in the book that I could name,” she said.

Action News Jax’s Law and Safety Expert Dale Carson said a sexual battery charge means the suspect forced himself on someone in a sexual manner.

Carson said because JSO is talking to more victims, there will likely be additional charges added.

“If there’s one victim — there are likely to be others. And so it’s important for investigators to search out for other victims,” Carson added.

Ranieri’s bond is listed at $375,000.

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Anyone with information or is a possible victim is asked to call police at 904-630-0500 or email them at JSOCrimeTips@Jaxsheriff.org.

Action News Jax requested the warrant from the State Attorney’s Office and will update this story when more information is available.

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