Palm Beach County officials are encouraging women to report encounters with a Florida man accused of using online dating platforms to meet victims. The request follows a July 14 announcement by the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office related to a sexual battery case. The investigation began after responding to an incident at a Florida hospital five months ago, involving a victim who met her alleged attacker, Stephen Hakim, on Hinge.
According to court documents, detectives matched Hakim’s DNA with samples found on the victim. Toxicology reports revealed the presence of sleeping drugs in the victim’s system, which she did not ingest herself.
Stephen Hakim, a resident of Delray Beach, was arrested and charged with sexual assault on July 8, only to be released on a $25,000 bond the next day. Hakim denies the charges.
Details of the Alleged Incident
Hakim, 27, allegedly assaulted a woman he contacted on Hinge. After a brief exchange on the app, they moved their conversation to phone texts and video calls. They agreed to meet for a casual evening, with no expectations, according to court records. The woman reported that Hakim picked her up to go to a bar but instead drove her to his apartment.
The woman described riding in Hakim’s black Tesla at high speeds, noting his apartment had minimal furniture. She recalled drinking four beers and discussing various topics. Hakim offered a massage, after which she felt extremely tired and unable to move. She then reported the assault. When confronted, Hakim dismissed her claims, exhibiting what she described as “gaslighting” behavior.
Hakim’s attorney maintains his client’s actions were consensual.
Safety Tips for Dating App Users
Online dating platforms have become widely used. A 2023 Pew Research report indicated that 53% of adults aged 18 to 29 have used dating apps. Despite many successful relationships formed online, some individuals exploit these platforms for criminal activities, says Megan Cutter, chief of victim services at RAINN, a national sexual assault hotline operator.
Cutter advises caution when assessing profiles lacking details or rapidly pushing for off-platform communication. One in six U.S. women has experienced attempted or completed rape, and women aged 18–24 face the highest risk of sexual assault.
Reverse image searches and metadata can reveal personal details. Cutter recommends using photos on dating profiles that differ from personal social media and removing metadata from these images.
Potential for Additional Victims
The Sheriff’s Office believes there may be more victims of Hakim who have yet to report their experiences. The Special Victims Unit requests public assistance in identifying individuals who have encountered Hakim through online dating.