Youth counselor at Hillsborough group home performed sex acts on minor, deputies say

Katherine Sticklin, a 28-year-old youth counselor at A Kid's Place of Tampa Bay, was arrested after allegedly performing sexual acts on a minor who resided at the group home. The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office reported that Sticklin used Snapchat to communicate with the foster child, sending him explicit images and discussing her desire to engage in sexual acts with him. Even after the child blocked her on social media, Sticklin continued to pressure him, culminating in an incident where she entered a men's bathroom while he was alone and performed sexual acts on him. Sheriff Chad Chronister expressed outrage over the situation, labeling her crimes as "vile and cruel" and highlighting the breach of trust inherent in her role as a counselor. Sticklin faces serious charges, including lewd or lascivious touching of a minor and unlawful sexual activity with a minor, reflecting the gravity of her alleged actions.

Currently, she is being held at the Falkenburg Road Jail without bond. The case has raised concerns about the safety and protection of vulnerable children in care facilities. Authorities hope the victim will find healing knowing that Sticklin is behind bars.