LOGAN — A 35-year-old tattoo artist from Hyrum has been arrested again for allegedly sexually assaulting two women while performing tattoo work, according to law enforcement. Douglas Steve Chavez, who was previously convicted of similar crimes in 2022, was arrested and booked Friday into the Cache County Jail.
According to charging documents, the first alleged victim contacted the Cache County Sheriff’s Office in November, claiming she had been sexually abused by Chavez, while receiving a tattoo. She had received a message from the Hyrum man after posting a bounce house for sale on social media.
Chavez allegedly offered to trade tattoo work for the bounce house. He arranged to do the work in a trailer next to his home.
The woman told deputies that while Chavez was doing the tattoo, he allegedly moved her hand into his groin area. She attempted to move her arm several times but each time he placed it back between his legs until the tattoo was completed.
As deputies were investigating the first incident, a second woman contacted them claiming she had also been sexually assaulted by Chavez on December 9. She explained how the Hyrum man had contacted her on social media about a car she was selling.
Chavez again offered a trade of tattoo work for the vehicle. He again arranged for the woman to meet him at his home in Hyrum so he could perform the work inside the nearby camp trailer.
The woman claimed that during the tattoo, Chavez pinned her arm under his arm, placing her hand between his legs. He also allegedly pulled her tank top down further than was needed. This went on for approximately four hours until she began having a panic attack and left.
Deputies attempted to speak with Chavez on Dec. 12. He invoked his right to an attorney and refused to answer any questions.
In 2021, Chavez was arrested after a woman explained how he inappropriately touched her while performing tattoo work. He was later convicted of sexual battery, a class A misdemeanor, and sentenced to serve 75 days in jail, followed by 24 months of probation.
According to court records, Chavez has been charged with two new counts of forcible sexual abuse, a second-degree felony. He is being held without bail, and could face more than 15 years in prison, if convicted.
Individuals arrested and charged in complaints are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.