PSPD Arrests Suspect for Sexual Assault

Sexual assault allegedly arranged via encounter arranged through online dating app

On May 17, Hakan Isik, 56, of Desert Hot Springs was arrested and charged with penetration with a foreign object, sodomy, elder abuse, false imprisonment, and administering a drug to commit a felony.

Detectives established probable cause to arrest Isik after carefully considering the available facts, police said.

In order to safeguard the integrity of the case and uphold the rights of all parties involved, police said they were unable to disclose further details related to the case.

A recent study by researchers of online dating apps at Brigham Young University reported that 14% of 1,968 cases resulted in sexual assaults. In a third of those cases, the victims were strangled and suffered more injury than other sexual assault victims. The assaults tended to occur on the first in-person meeting, mostly through app dating, according to police. According to the Rape and Incest National Network, every 68 seconds, an American is sexually assaulted. The police realize many sexual assaults go unreported, according to the National Crime Victimization Survey.

With the risks associated with app dating in mind, the Palm Springs Police Department updates the public regarding an ongoing sexual assault investigation. The initial sexual assault case, brought to the PSPD’s attention in January, continues to be investigated as additional people and information become available. The primary goal of this investigative process is to conduct a thorough and unbiased investigation while ensuring the integrity of the case.

Investigating sexual assault cases can take time as it requires the meticulous examination of evidence, collection of witness statements, medical records, and collaboration with various parties involved. Investigators have pursued available leads and conducted multiple interviews with individuals who came forward in response to the victim’s online account.

During the investigation, detectives spoke with other individuals who shared similar experiences as mentioned by the victim. Their encounters did not rise to a level of criminality but supported the initial investigation.

Let’s be clear; no means no! Regardless of the type or length of the relationship or sexual orientation, all activities must stop immediately when a person says stop, police said. If a person cannot say no, then the answer is still no. Using illegal substances, overtly or covertly, to victimize an individual is inexcusable, and police will do all within their power to bring justice to those who victimize others through intoxication.