TAMPA -- Hillsborough deputies arrested a 23-year-old man on charges that he committed sexual battery against an international student.
The Sheriff's Office says 23-year-old Steeve Louis met the woman when he was driving for Uber and provided his phone number to her, also installing Cash App. A couple of days later, the woman began getting messages from someone claiming to be "a Cash App employee enforcing federal law." The "employee" said she had to prove she was in a relationship with Louis to have his app on her phone, and that she would lose her student visa if she didn't. The victim arranged with Louis to take some photos to send to the "employee," who said they weren't "intimate" enough. Acting out of fear, the victim undressed and wanted to pretend to be intimate with Louis. According to detectives, Louis sexually assaulted her.
Detectives determined that Louis sent the messages, pretending to be an employee.
Louis faces two counts of sexual battery on a person over 18.
Uber has issued this statement through a spokesperson: “This driver’s actions are sickening and have no place in the Uber community. We have banned his account and stand ready to assist law enforcement with their investigation.” The company also says that post-trip contact between riders and drivers is prohibited under Uber's policies. Uber says contact should end when the trip or delivery is complete, unless it's done to return a lost item.
Photo and Graphic: HCSO