The Palm Beach County authorities are reaching out for assistance from the public regarding a case involving a Florida man, Stephen Hakim, who allegedly met his victim on a dating app called Hinge. They are urging any women who may have interacted with him to come forward.
This appeal followed a response to a sexual assault investigation at a local hospital that took place five months prior. The victim reportedly met Hakim through Hinge, and subsequent DNA testing matched his profile to samples taken from her.
Toxicology tests revealed multiple sleeping pills in the victim’s bloodstream, which she states she did not consume. Hakim, a resident of Delray Beach, was arrested on July 8 and charged with sexual assault. He was released a day later after posting a $25,000 bail and has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The victim shared with investigators that her conversation with Hakim started on the app and lasted for about an hour before moving to text messages and video calls. They decided to meet up with no specific expectations beyond having a relaxed evening together. However, instead of going to a bar, Hakim drove her to his apartment. She described a ride where they were going “90 to 100 miles per hour” in her Tesla, and his apartment, she noted, was sparsely furnished with no pets or television. They shared a few beers, conversed about various topics, and then, according to her account, he offered to give her a massage. She later became extremely fatigued and felt unable to stand before the assault occurred. Following the incident, she confronted Hakim, who reportedly exhibited a “gaslighting” reaction, questioning her claims of what happened.
Hakim’s attorney has voiced to media outlets that his client denies any non-consensual actions during the encounter, though there has been no further comment from his legal team.
Concerns About Safety Online
Cutter notes that only about one-third of victims report sexual assaults to authorities, often due to threats made by the perpetrator against the victim or their loved ones. Alarmingly, statistics show that one in six women in the U.S. experiences attempted or completed rape in their lifetime, and younger women aged 18 to 24 are particularly at risk.
When using dating apps, Cutter recommends remaining vigilant—profiles that lack detail or those who rush interactions outside the platform can be red flags. She advises keeping personal information, like email addresses or phone numbers, private to avoid unwanted tracking. Additionally, using different photographs for dating profiles compared to those on personal social media can help protect one’s identity.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office is actively seeking to identify potential additional victims of Hakim, believing that some may still be hesitant to come forward. They are asking for any information from the public related to encounters with him, emphasizing the importance of safety in online dating environments.
