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A Cuban Uber driver identified as Yaroslandys Elozegui Romero, 35 years old, was arrested on Monday in Miami-Dade County, accused of forcing a passenger to engage in sexual acts on the side of a road, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).
The victim told authorities that she requested an Uber ride from a friend's house and was picked up by Romero, Local 10 reported.
During the journey, the victim asked to use a phone charger and, following the driver’s instructions, moved to the front seat to use it.
At that moment, Romero, who according to information from América TeVé is newly arrived in Miami, began to touch her and attempted to kiss her, becoming more aggressive when she resisted.
Romero stopped the vehicle on the shoulder of the SR 826 highway, near LeJeune Road, where he took off his pants and exposed himself in front of the victim, forcing her to perform sexual acts. Afterwards, Romero masturbated, cleaned himself with a towel, and took the victim to her final destination.
The authorities indicated that Romero stated that the victim appeared to be under the influence of alcohol, but the officers denied having found signs of intoxication in her.
Romero faces multiple charges, including sexual assault (a serious offense), physical assault, and indecent exposure (minor offenses).
On Monday, during his appearance before the court, Romero's bail was set at $29,000.
The judge Ariel Rodríguez stated that the "accusations are extremely concerning," and warned: "This person should not be an Uber or Lyft driver, they should not be driving", according to a report from Telemundo Miami.
Romero was ordered to stay away from the victim and was prohibited from working as a rideshare driver.
Uber reported that the driver has been permanently banned from the platform and reiterated its cooperation with the investigation.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Arrest of an Uber Driver in Miami for Sexual Assault
Who is the Uber driver arrested in Miami for sexual assault?
The arrested driver is Yaroslandys Elozegui Romero, a 35-year-old Cuban, who was detained in Miami-Dade County on charges of sexual assault and other minor offenses.
What charges does Yaroslandys Elozegui Romero face?
Romero faces multiple charges, including sexual assault (felony), physical assault, and indecent exposure (misdemeanors). A bail of $29,000 has been set, and he is prohibited from working as a rideshare driver.
What measures has Uber taken following the incident?
Uber has permanently expelled Romero from the platform and has reiterated its cooperation with the investigation to clarify the facts and ensure the safety of its users.
How did the judge describe the accusations against the Uber driver?
The judge Ariel Rodríguez described the accusations as "extremely concerning" and stated that Romero should not work as a driver for Uber or Lyft due to the seriousness of the charges against him.
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