Uber Driver Charged With Rape of Unconscious Passenger Near L.A.

A Bakersfield, CA man who worked as an Uber driver has been charged with raping an unconscious woman after picking her up outside a bar in Ventura County, according to prosecutors, Bakersfield Now reported yesterday.

The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office said Simranjit Singh Sekhon, 35, has been charged with rape of an unconscious person, along with a sentencing enhancement alleging the victim was particularly vulnerable. Sekhon pleaded not guilty during his arraignment on Wednesday.

Prosecutors allege the incident occurred in the early morning hours of November 27, 2025. Sekhon allegedly picked up a 21-year-old woman outside a bar in Thousand Oaks around 1:00 a.m. to take her to her home in Camarillo. According to the District Attorney’s Office, the woman was intoxicated and fell asleep during the ride.

Instead of ending the trip as scheduled, authorities allege Sekhon continued driving the unconscious passenger around Camarillo and sexually assaulted her. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office investigated the incident and arrested Sekhon in Los Angeles County on December 15, 2025.

Sekhon remains in custody with bail set at $500,000. He is scheduled to appear for an early disposition conference on December 29, 2025, in Ventura County Superior Court.

The Ventura County case is part of a much broader pattern of alleged sexual assaults involving Uber drivers nationwide. Thousands of survivors have filed civil lawsuits against Uber, alleging the company failed to adequately screen drivers, respond to prior safety complaints, or implement effective safeguards to protect passengers. Those cases have been consolidated into a federal multidistrict litigation in the Northern District of California, where bellwether trials are expected to shape future settlements and outcomes.

Uber’s own safety reports acknowledge more than 12,000 reports of sexual assaults over a six-year period, including incidents involving rape and nonconsensual sexual contact. Internal records disclosed during litigation suggest the company received hundreds of thousands of safety related incident reports overall. Survivors’ lawsuits allege Uber continued expanding its platform despite knowing about persistent safety risks, particularly involving intoxicated or vulnerable passengers.

In addition to civil lawsuits, several states have pursued investigations or legal action related to rideshare safety.

Sexually Assaulted During an Uber Ride?

If you were harmed by an Uber driver, you may have legal options beyond the criminal case. To learn more about the nationwide litigation and how survivors are seeking accountability, visit our Uber sexual abuse lawsuit guide. If you are ready to explore your options, you can request a free, confidential case review by completing the secure form below.