CBS News reports that on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, Santa Monica police announced the arrest of Fernando Macias Morales for allegedly sexually assaulting a female passenger in September while he was working as a Lyft driver. According to Lt. Erika Aklufi of the SMPD, on September, 7, 2023, officers were sent to the 2900 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, “regarding a sexual assault”.
A woman reported that a Lyft driver picked her up from a restaurant in West Hollywood before sexually assaulting her during the ride to her home. The victim fell asleep in the car during the drive and woke up to inappropriate touching. Once they arrived at the woman’s home, Morales offered to walk the woman to her door, which she refused. The woman realized that several hours had passed since she was picked up once she got home.
Detectives with the Santa Monica Police Department identified the driver as Fernando Macias Morales and placed him under arrest on April 5 in the San Fernando Valley. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office has charged Morales with multiple felony charges including counts of kidnapping to commit a sexual act, sexual penetration of a person intoxicated or under sedation, and oral copulation of a person intoxicated or under sedation.
Standing Up for the Rights of Survivors
While Santa Monica Police say no other victims have been identified, it is possible that Fernando Macias Morales has assaulted other women. The compassionate team at our trauma informed law firm are here to assist survivors of sexual assault. Estey & Bomberger has earned a national reputation of success holding rideshare companies like Lyft and Uber accountable for the actions of their drivers. If you or a loved one has suffered a sexual assault by a Lyft or Uber driver, we can advocate on your behalf in order to achieve justice and fair compensation. Contact us today to learn how we can help.