Uber Driver Arrested for Alleged Sexual Assault of Passenger

BOSTON, MA — An Uber driver was released on his own recognizance after a court appearance Friday that followed his arrest this week by Boston Police in connection with an alleged sexual assault of a passenger.

Michael Vedrine, 32, of Brockton, was arraigned in Dorchester Municipal Court today, despite prosecutors' request of a $50,000 bail. WHDH 7News reports the judge released Vedrine under orders not to drive for Uber and to stay away from the victim.

Multiple outlets report Vedrine was arrested in connection with the sexual assault of an "extremely drunk" female passenger early Wednesday morning. According to police, Vedrine said he did have sexual intercourse with the woman, but that it was consensual.

In a press release, the DA's office details the allegations, stating, "Vedrine is accused of sexually assaulting the victim, a woman in her 20s, in his vehicle during a ride to her home and continuing the assault after she told him to stop. When she left the vehicle, he allegedly followed her and sexually assaulted her a second time.

Shortly after Vedrine’s interview, prosecutors said, Vedrine allegedly called the victim. Based on the evidence gathered thus far and new concerns raised by the phone call, detectives took him into custody."

In a statement released by Uber and published by WHDH 7News, the company said, "We are fully cooperating with Boston police and will continue to work closely with them to help provide any information useful in this case.”

It's another unfortunate headline in a string of bad press for the company, coming just weeks after a state law passed to tighten background checks on so-called "ride-shares." The Boston Police chief has expressed reservations about Uber and similar companies in the past.

According to WHDH, this is the third time in five days a local Uber driver has been called to court.

Vedrine will return to court on Oct. 1

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