Certain occupations tend to result in a worker spending a great deal of time with people who have been drinking or doing drugs, resulting in impaired judgment. Uber drivers, for example, often provide rides for people who are unable to drive due to such activities. Unfortunately, one man in California faces multiple charges, including many related to sex crimes, based on allegations made by women with whom he came into contact with as an Uber driver.
The first allegations came to light earlier this year when a woman accused the man of raping her. In March, nearly a month after the allegations were made, the man was arrested. He was then released on bail but fired from his job as an Uber driver.
Investigators claim that they have discovered other victims from 2007, 2011 and 2013 who say they did not initially report it when the man allegedly attacked them. Authorities say that most of the alleged victims say they were unconscious, due to drugs or alcohol, at the time the assaults allegedly occurred. The 52-year-old man is also accused of sex acts with a 13-year-old female. If convicted of all charges, he could spend 52 years in prison.
Most people accused of sex crimes are likely aware that many people forget that all those accused of crimes are considered innocent until proved otherwise because of the stigma associated with such charges. However, without sufficient evidence to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, a defendant must be found not guilty. An experienced attorney can help those in California fully understand their legal options and choose the most appropriate path for each individual situation.
Source: Santee, Ca. Patch, “Former Uber Driver Accused of Raping East County Woman Charged With Several Other Sex Crimes“, Aug. 18, 2016