Authorities in Massachusetts say a 37-year-old man was arrested this week on suspicion of soliciting sex from passengers he picked up as a driver for Uber.
According to WCVB, Jose Arevalos-Avalos is expected to face criminal charges including a felony county of indecent assault and battery on a person over 14 years of age and a count of attempting to pay for sexual conduct.
Police believe the Holliston resident offered a woman $100 for sex during a ride on Friday afternoon. In her complaint to police, the alleged victim reported that he sexually assaulted her when she declined his offer, as reported by WBZ.
She reportedly told investigators that Arevalos-Avalos drove her to work in Ashland. After the proposition, she claimed he put his hand between her legs and moved her hand to his crotch.
The driver allegedly gave the victim his phone number in hopes that she would call him later. Instead, she contacted police and offered details that led officers to Arevalos-Avalos’ apartment on North Mill Street.
Officers arrived at the location at about 11 p.m. on Friday and arrested him.
Authorities in Ashland credited the alleged victim’s report for her role in making an arrest possible.
Arevalos-Avalos was booked into jail at the Ashland Police Department, where he remained in custody as of the latest reports available.
He is expected to appear in Framingham District Court for an arraignment hearing on Monday.
In a statement to reporters, Ashland Police Chief Craig Davis confirmed Uber has been cooperating with local authorities throughout the investigation.
[Jose Arevalos-Avalos, Ashland Police Department]