An Uber driver, Safiullah Miakhil, was convicted on Feb. 6 of two counts of sexual battery for an incident that occurred just after midnight on Nov. 1, 2023, after a Halloween party in Davis. Prosecutors say Miakhil entered the back seat after dropping the passenger at her home and groped and fondled her before she escaped and reported the assault. The UC Davis student testified at trial; Yolo County prosecutors praised her courage. Miakhil faces up to one year in county jail.
Uber Driver Convicted Of Sexual Battery After Halloween Ride Involving UC Davis Student
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A Carmichael man has been convicted of sexually battering a University of California, Davis student after a late-night Halloween ride.
On Feb. 6, the Yolo County District Attorney’s Office announced that 46-year-old Safiullah Miakhil was found guilty of two counts of sexual battery for an incident that occurred just after midnight on Nov. 1, 2023. Judge Catherine R. Hohenwarter presided over the trial.
What Happened
Prosecutors say Miakhil picked the woman up from a Halloween party in Davis and drove her home. When they arrived, he exited the front of the vehicle and entered the back seat with the passenger, then groped, kissed and fondled her without consent. The victim broke free, ran from the vehicle and immediately reported the assault to police.
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Reaction And Court Statements
“The young woman who was victimized in this case demonstrated immeasurable courage and tenacity,” said Yolo County Deputy District Attorney Stefanie DeCillis, commending the victim for pursuing the case and for testifying at trial.
District Attorney Jeff Reisig added that the jury’s verdict affirms the complainant’s bravery and sends a warning to those who think they can commit such acts with impunity. Prosecutors urged riders to report any driver misconduct to authorities.
Possible Penalty And Other Details
Miakhil faces a maximum sentence of one year in county jail. It was not immediately known whether he had retained an attorney. PEOPLE reached out to Uber for comment but had not received a response at the time of reporting.
Support Resources
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or visit RAINN.org for resources and support.
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