Uber Driver Convicted of Sexual Battery After UC Davis Ride Home

A Yolo County jury has convicted an Uber driver of sexually assaulting a UC Davis student following a late night ride home from a Halloween party in 2023. The case adds to growing scrutiny around rideshare safety as courts nationwide confront allegations involving passenger sexual assault, ABC10 reported Friday.

According to the Yolo County District Attorney’s Office, the victim ordered an Uber shortly after midnight on Nov. 1, 2023, to return home from a party in Davis. Prosecutors said the driver, a 46 year old man from Carmichael, transported the student to her residence before getting into the back seat of the vehicle and sexually battering her.

The jury found the driver guilty of two counts of sexual battery. Prosecutors said the assault involved unwanted groping, kissing, and fondling. After the incident, the student reported the assault to police, leading to a criminal investigation and prosecution.

A deputy district attorney praised the survivor for coming forward and testifying, describing her actions as courageous and emphasizing the seriousness with which sexual assault cases are handled in Yolo County. Prosecutors also thanked the jury for recognizing the gravity of the case and delivering a conviction.

The Yolo County District Attorney echoed those remarks, commending the student for reporting the assault and warning that sexual misconduct by rideshare drivers will be treated as a serious crime. He also urged rideshare users to remain cautious and report any inappropriate behavior.

The driver now faces a maximum sentence of up to one year in county jail. While the criminal case addresses individual accountability, the conviction comes amid broader civil litigation against Uber, including claims that the company failed to adequately protect passengers or respond to known risks involving driver sexual misconduct.