(Head injuries sustained by Snell the night of January 28, 2023)

Palm Springs, CA

(Story updated to reflect Palm Springs Police Department’s statement)

An arrest was made in the sexual assault of Rand Snell who visited Palm Springs from St. Petersburg Florida in January of this year. It is confirmed that Isaak Hakan Isik, a Desert Hot Springs resident was taken into custody today by the detective handling the case.

(PSPD Primary Suspect Hakan Isik of Desert Hot Springs)

Read Our Original Story

(Snell In The Hospital After Sustaining Multiple Injuries)

After our story was published in April 24th, 2023, the Palm Springs Police Department, who already had been working the case, sent out a press release urging caution for those using online dating platforms.

Read Palm Springs Police Department’s Press Release On Online Dating

Snell, who detailed the accounts on the evening of January 28th, told the Palm Springs Tribune today after the arrest, “I’m relieved he won’t he hurting anyone else tonight.”

Updated Story

The Palm Springs Police Department released the following statement the evening of May 17th:

“The initial sexual assault case, brought to our 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.

Today, Hakan Isik (02/11/67) of Desert Hot Springs, the primary suspect in the case, was arrested. Detectives established probable cause to arrest Hakan after carefully considering the available facts. Isik was charged with PC 289(a)(1)(A) – Penetration with a foreign object; PC 286(a) – Sodomy; PC 368(b)(1) – Elder Abuse; PC 236 – False Imprisonment; and PC 222 – Administer a drug to commit a felony. In order to safeguard the integrity of the case and uphold the rights of all parties involved, we are unable to disclose further details related to the case.

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. 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.”

(Story was corrected. Hakan Isik is a resident of Desert Hot Springs, not Palm Springs)