The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office has arrested a youth counselor at A Kid's Place of Tampa Bay for performing sexual acts on a minor who resided there.
On September 11, 2024, Special Victims Section detectives began an investigation into misconduct committed by Katherine Sticklin, 28. A foster child at the group home had reported that Sticklin initiated a conversation with him via Snapchat, where she sent explicit images and discussed wanting to perform sexual acts with him.
After the juvenile blocked Sticklin on social media, she continued to pressure him into sexual activity. Sticklin even went as far as going into the shared men's bathroom while he was in it alone, and began to perform sexual acts on him.
Through investigative means, detectives verified the accusations and arrested Sticklin. She has been charged with:
- Lewd or Lascivious Touching of a Minor 16 or 17 Years of Age By a Person 24 Years of Age or Older
- Unlawful Sexual Activity with a Minor (x3)
"The crimes committed by this woman are vile and cruel," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "She should be ashamed of taking advantage of someone she was trusted to care for and mentor. I hope he is able to begin healing knowing this woman is behind bars.”
This investigation is ongoing; any updates will come from the Public Affairs Office.