Uber driver arrested over unwanted sexual advances to female passenger, exposing himself, police report
MIAMI -- An Uber driver is facing charges after being accused of making unwanted sexual advances to a female passenger during a trip last month that included the man allegedly touching the woman and displaying his penis to her, according to a police report.
Wilder A. Sosaolivero, 44, of Hialeah, has been charged with felony kidnapping along with misdemeanor charges of battery and indecent exposure, the report says.
In an appearance before Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Mindy Glazer, Sosaolivero was ordered held without bond on the kidnapping charge.
Glazer found probable cause for the charges against him and ordered him to stay away from the 27-year-old victim, who was referred to as "MZ," and have no contact with her.
"He's an Uber driver and he made several sexual advances towards the victim," Glazer said during the hearing. "He reportedly took the victim to his residence and he did that without her consent."
The woman told investigators that she ordered an Uber ride on Feb. 22 at 9 p.m. to take her home while in Hialeah.
The driver arrived in a 2015 Ford Taurus to pick her up for the trip.
During the ride, the man made several unwanted sexual advances to the woman, who was sitting in the front seat, including touching her thigh "in a sexual manner," according to the police report.
The driver allegedly told the woman he was going to take her to his home, the police report said. During the trip, the man exposed his sexual organ to his passenger, according to the police report.
"The victim pleaded with the defendant to take her home and (told him) that a family member was monitoring her Uber ride."
The driver pointed out his third-floor apartment to the woman once they arrived at his complex but he ultimately transported her home, the police report said.
Detective Scarlett Hernandez said, "While on the drive, he made several sexual advances, to include touching her and exposing himself. She was very much in fear for her life and she pleaded with him several times to drop me off at her home and he did not listen."
The driver allegedly told the woman he was going to take her to his home, the police report said. During the trip, the man exposed his sexual organ to his passenger, according to the police report.
"The victim pleaded with the defendant to take her home and (told him) that a family member was monitoring her Uber ride."
The driver pointed out his third-floor apartment to the woman once they arrived at his complex but he ultimately transported her home, the police report said.
On Wednesday, Uber said in a written statement: "We are disgusted by what this rider experienced. This type of behavior is not tolerated on the Uber platform, and the driver's access to the app has been removed. We stand ready to assist law enforcement with their investigation."
The spokesperson said Uber takes these incidents "very seriously" says they have a dedicated team of safety agents who are available "24/7" to help investigate such incidents
The victim reported the incident to Hialeah police on Feb. 28.
The man allegedly confessed to police during questioning before he was taken to the Miami-Dade jail, the police report said.
Detective Hernandez offered some safety tips for Uber passengers to stay safe.
"If you are going to take an Uber drive, take a screen shot of that screen where the name and tag number is on and send it to someone your trust or a friend," Hernandez said. "As well as share your location with that person so they can see where you are at the moment until you get home. Match up the license plate with the information on your phone.
"You have to be very careful," Hernandez said. "Don't divulge any information. When you get an Uber driver ask them what's my name instead of asking are you here to pick up a Stephanie. Ask them who are you here to pick up so you can know that is the person who is going to pick you up."
Hialeah police said they want to know if there are other victims who can call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-8477.