A renowned Michelin-star chef, Jacob Bickelhaupt, already in jail for allegedly beating up a woman, is now facing new charges. The 41-year-old chef, known for his restaurant Konro in West Palm Beach, reportedly contacted his victim from an unauthorized phone inside the Palm Beach County Jail.
He begged her to bond him out, violating a court order that prohibited him from contacting the victim.
The Initial Incident
Bickelhaupt was arrested on June 2 and charged with aggravated battery after allegedly assaulting a woman so severely that she required emergency surgery for brain bleeding. The victim also suffered two black eyes and bruising down her arms.
Initially, she claimed her injuries were from a car accident, but hospital staff suspected otherwise and contacted the police. Officers found blood on the walls of the West Palm Beach home where the assault occurred.
Bickelhaupt’s Jailhouse Plea
Despite a judge’s order to have no contact with the victim, Bickelhaupt managed to get hold of an unauthorized phone while in jail. On June 5, he called a business number connected to the victim and her business partner.
In the recorded message, Bickelhaupt begged the victim for help, offering to pay part of his $90,000 bail if she would remove the no-contact order. He suggested a payment plan and appealed to her emotions, saying, “I love you so much, I don’t know what to say.”
About 20 minutes later, Bickelhaupt called the same number again, leaving a second message with similar requests. In the voicemail, he claimed he would be in jail for a long time unless she helped him with the bail, and he asked her to transfer $1,500 via Cash App or Zelle.
He further explained that he would need a place to stay if he was released and that he couldn’t go back to his restaurant.
New Charges and Increased Bond
After receiving the disturbing messages, the victim reported them to the police. As a result, Bickelhaupt is now facing additional charges, including two counts of tampering with a witness or victim and one count of obstruction of justice.
His bond was increased to $99,000 due to these new allegations.
Bickelhaupt’s History of Domestic Violence
This isn’t the first time Bickelhaupt has been linked to domestic violence. Before moving to Florida and opening Konro, he was accused of domestic violence while owning the two-Michelin-star restaurant, 42 Grams, in Chicago.
The controversy surrounding those allegations led to the closure of the restaurant, and Bickelhaupt relocated to West Palm Beach, where he continued his culinary career.
Jacob Bickelhaupt’s legal troubles have escalated significantly following his actions in jail. His attempt to contact his victim, in violation of a court order, has led to additional charges that could further complicate his situation. The victim, who has already endured serious injuries, now faces the emotional toll of Bickelhaupt’s continued attempts to manipulate her even from behind bars.
