Florida Man Accused of Sexual Assault Through Online Dating

Palm Beach County authorities urge women to step forward if they have encountered a Florida man, Stephen Hakim, alleged to have met victims via dating platforms. Five months after a sexual battery investigation at a Florida hospital, the county’s Sheriff’s Office made the request on July 14. The victim claimed she met Hakim on Hinge. Detectives then matched Hakim’s DNA to samples from the victim.

Toxicology tests revealed multiple sleeping drugs in the woman’s blood and urine, which she stated she did not consume. Hakim, from Delray Beach, was arrested and charged with sexual assault on July 8, before being released on a $25,000 bond the following day. He pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Details of the Incident

After matching on Hinge, the woman said they exchanged app messages for about an hour, before switching to text messages and video calls. They later agreed to meet for a casual evening to talk, with no expectations, according to reports reviewed by deputies.

Records state Hakim picked her up in his car around 11 p.m. to go to a bar, yet drove her to his apartment instead. She recalled riding in his black Tesla at high speeds. His apartment, described as very clean, had little furniture and no TV or pets. They drank beers and discussed work until Hakim offered a massage. The woman said at this point, she became very tired and unable to move, leading to the assault. When she confronted Hakim about the incident, he denied wrongdoing in a gaslighting manner.

Hakim’s lawyer stated that his client refutes the unconsented nature of his actions. The firm did not comment further to Fox News Digital.

Safety and Awareness on Dating Apps

About 53% of adults between 18 to 29 years have used dating apps, according to a 2023 Pew Research report. Online dating has significantly changed how adults find partners. While many relationships from apps thrive, some users use them for criminal activities.

According to Megan Cutter, chief of victim services at RAINN, dating platforms are not inherently unsafe. Yet, abusers exploit them to commit crimes. Only approximately one-third of sexual assault victims report these crimes, partly due to threats from perpetrators. RAINN states one in six women in the U.S. experience attempted or completed rape, with those aged 18 to 24 at highest risk.

Cutter advises online daters to remain vigilant with incomplete profiles or those hastily moving conversations off app platforms. Such moves should raise red flags.

Using different photos on dating profiles compared to personal social media can prevent reverse image searches linking personal information. Removing metadata from digital files can also protect against the leakage of personal data.
Millions use online dating with successful outcomes, though misuse by some poses risks.

Authorities Seek Additional Victims

The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office believes there might be others who haven’t come forward yet. The Special Victims Unit requests public assistance in identifying any who have encountered Hakim through dating platforms.