USF student caught in undercover child sex sting
A USF student was arrested Saturday for soliciting sex from what he believed to be a 13-year-old boy, according to Polk County Sherriff’s Office (PCSO).
The suspect, 20-year-old Jacob Bickel, was caught in a Central Florida Internet Crime Against Children operation targeting suspects who travel to engage underage teenagers in sexual conduct. So far, the operation has led to 13 arrests for traveling for sex with a minor.
Bickel allegedly traveled from Tampa to Naples with intent to meet a boy he propositioned through an anonymous chat application.
In the online conversation with the undercover detective, Bickel, under the username “Jake.Bulls94,” allegedly requested nude pictures, asked about sexual experience and offered to teach various sexual acts, according to the arrest affidavit.
The PCSO report stated Bickel drove to the predetermined location on Saturday and was arrested at the front door. Police said the suspect carried two condoms and personal lubricant in his front pocket.
When a detective again sent a message to “Jake.Bulls94,” police confirmed the suspect’s cellphone received it.
The report stated, when asked, Bickel said he was lonely and only came to talk.
Bickel is charged with traveling to meet a minor for the purpose of sexual conduct, transmitting sexual material harmful to a minor and using a computer (cellphone) to commit a felony.
The arrest was a part of Operation Cyber Child III, an operation launched June 18 to arrest suspected sexual predators who target children.
— Staff report
More Stories
USF professors weigh in after US strikes on Iran nuclear sites
Kyle Burke has seen the U.S. enter multiple Middle Eastern conflicts, such as Afghanistan in 2001 and Iraq in 2003. Still, he said he wasn’t surprised when he saw the U.S. enter another in June. Burke, a USF history professor, has been studying and teaching U.S. foreign relations for nearly two decades. “I had a […]
USF’s presidential search slowed in spring, now resumes with new firm
The USF presidential search committee announced this month its plans to move forward with a new search firm in its pursuit of a new university president. In May, USF spokesperson Althea Johnson told The Oracle that USF would move forward with its presidential search after its initial search firm — SP&A Executive Search — finished […]
USF rocket team takes flight in NASA competition despite challenges
In a field in Alabama, USF Society of Aeronautics and Rocketry members waited for Prometheus — the rocket they’d spent nine months crafting — to take flight. USF’s SOAR was among the 53 teams that launched their rockets for the NASA Student Launch in Huntsville on May 4. The USF team placed 18th after launching […]
USF international students navigate travel under new visa limitations
With a ban restricting visa issuance and entry into the U.S. in effect, USF student Arshia Esmaeilian said he is afraid his parents might not be able to see him graduate next year unless the ban is lifted. “I didn’t really ask for this,” said Esmaeilian, a senior chemistry major. “It’s just something I have […]
USF’s Marshall Student Center to reduce hours amid budget constraints
USF’s Marshall Student Center will operate under reduced hours starting in the upcoming fall semester. New operating hours will go into effect starting on Aug. 17 as listed below: Monday–Thursday: Changing from 7 a.m.–midnight to 8 a.m.–11 p.m. Friday: Changing from 7 a.m.–1 a.m. to 8 a.m.–midnight Saturday: Changing from 8 a.m.–1 a.m. to 8 […]
USF, Crisis Center step up hurricane prep as anxiety lingers from last season
With the arrival of hurricane season in Tampa, USF students – particularly those new to South Florida – may be experiencing increased stress or anxiety after the 2024 season. Running from June 1 to Nov. 30, hurricane season marks the period when tropical storms form and intensify in the Atlantic Ocean, according to the National […]