Allegations Against Lyft Driver Include Sexual Battery, Credit Card Fraud, and Grand Theft
A 35-year-old Lyft driver has been accused of raping and robbing a woman in her hotel room. According to reports, the woman was incapacitated when the man carried her into the Miami Beach hotel where she was staying. Allegations include that he sexually assaulted her before stealing her phone and $500 in cash.
At Mase Mebane Seitz, we are disheartened to hear of this atrocity. In truth, it happens all too often. We believe that there must be accountability for these criminal acts. If you or a loved one has been the victim of sexual assault or abuse, contact our office at (844) 627-3529 for a free consultation.
Miami Beach Lyft Driver Accused of Sexual Assault
According to Local 10 News, a Miami Beach Lyft driver has been accused of raping and robbing an incapacitated woman in her hotel room. The 35-year-old man picked up the woman outside the Eden Roc Hotel at around 1:00 am on February 10. He then drove her to a bar, reportedly giving her his phone number so that he could give her a ride back to the hotel later in the evening.
The man drove a gray 2018 Toyota Rav 4 to conduct both the pickup and drop off at the woman’s hotel room. At around 4:35 a.m., he was caught on surveillance video carrying the incapacitated woman into the hotel. As noted by Local 10 News, he was seen around an hour later leaving the hotel with two cell phones.
Theft and Unauthorized Charges
Around 10:00 a.m. the next day, the woman woke up naked in her bed. Her money and phone had been taken, and there were hundreds of dollars in “unauthorized charges” from the suspect, according to police.
During an investigation with police, the Lyft driver admitted to being the man on the surveillance video but denied sexually assaulting the victim. However, he refused to provide a DNA sample when requested by law enforcement. Bond for the suspect was set at $520,000.
Dangerous Rideshare Drivers
Uber and Lyft have come under scrutiny for failing to adequately ensure the safety of their customers. A Community Safety Report released by Lyft noted that the company received thousands of reports of sexual assault over the course of 3 years, including over 350 reports of non-consensual sexual penetration (rape).
The report is shocking, but likely an underestimate of the true number. Rideshare companies must do more to protect their customers from dangerous drivers. Sexual assault and abuse should never happen.
Were You Sexually Assaulted or Abused? Contact Our Office.
If you were sexually assaulted or abused, contact our office at (844) 627-3529 for a free consultation. Our compassionate legal team will help you understand your rights and provide you with access to the resources you may need. We are dedicated survivor advocates and know that the trauma inflicted can last a lifetime.
Call our office to speak directly with an attorney about your right to compensation. You should not have to go through this alone. Get the help you need and the legal representation you deserve.