Tustin, California - Uber Driver Amir Attia Charged with Sexually Assaulting a Passenger

Uber Driver with Sexual Battery Conviction Charged with Sexually Assaulting Passenger

Last Update: 7/13/2020

An Uber driver with a previous conviction for sexual battery was arrested this week for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman during a ride in July of 2018. 45-year-old Amir Attia has been booked on charges of digital penetration and sexual battery.

According to the police, a 25-year-old woman had been booked at the Tustin police station following an arrest on DUI charges. After her release, she ordered an uber and Attia picked her up for a drive to her home in Santa Ana. According to the police, DNA evidence has confirmed that Attia sexually assaulted the woman during this ride.

The police also said that Attia confessed to sexually assaulting the woman after his arrest. He was booked at the Orange County jail and bail was set at $150,000.

Attia has a previous sexual battery conviction from 1993. Uber removed his access to the app after learning of the most recent incident.

Police have encouraged anyone with information on this case and other victims to come forward.

Legal Options For Victims of Sexual Assault by Uber Drivers

Regular Legal Herald contributor and experienced attorney Bobby Thompson represents sexual assault victims in civil lawsuits against sexual predators and negligent third parties, such as companies that fail to keep their customers safe. I asked Bobby to share a few thoughts on the legal rights of those who have been sexually assaulted by drivers for Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare companies, and he kindly obliged.

“Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft have both come under fire recently after some critics have accused them of failing to adequately protect their customers. Both of these companies have faced lawsuits. Uber has been named in a lawsuit filed by nine people who say they were sexually assaulted by ‘fake Uber drivers’ and say that the company should have warned them about this danger. Dozens of women have also sued Lyft for alleged sexual assaults by drivers. These companies have a legal duty to make sure their drivers are trustworthy. If a sexual predator is permitted to drive for them, riders could be in danger of being assaulted during their rides. Ultimately, in such cases of negligence, the victims may have grounds for a lawsuit against the company.”

Sources:

https://abc7.com/5832520/