A former foster home employee is currently detained and facing several felony charges after allegations emerged that she conducted sexual acts with a minor under her care, officials from the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office disclosed.
The accusations against Katherine Sticklin, 28, pertain to her improper conduct with a teenage resident at A Kid's Place of Tampa Bay in Brandon, as shared by ABC Action News, deputies were made aware of the situation after the teen reported that Sticklin had sent explicit images via Snapchat and then continued to engage him sexually after he had blocked her on the platform, she faces charges including lewd or lascivious touching of a minor 16 or 17 years of age, and unlawful sexual activity with a minor
In the aftermath of the incident, Sheriff Chad Chronister issued a statement, declaring that "The crimes committed by this woman are vile and cruel," and expressing hope that the teen will find some solace in seeing Sticklin apprehended, as reported by FOX 13 News, Chronister added, "She should be ashamed of taking advantage of someone she was trusted to care for and mentor."
While Sticklin is currently held without bond, further investigations are conducted by the Special Victims Section to ensure there are no additional victims, the nature of Sticklin's charges could reflect her evident, sustained effort to abuse her position of authority and trust, a situation bringing to the fore grave concerns about the safety and oversight within child welfare institutions where sticklin allegedly went as far as entering a shared men's bathroom to engage in inappropriate actions with the teen, which have been confirmed through detective work, according to details provided by the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office press release.
The Sheriff's Office has not identified additional victims at this time but is appealing to the public for further information as part of their ongoing investigation into these serious allegations.
