A Cuban national working as an Uber driver in Miami-Dade has been apprehended in Doral, accused of kidnapping and sexually assaulting a passenger. Under Florida law, these serious charges could result in a life sentence.
Yusel Pérez Leyva, aged 42, was taken into custody on June 18 after admitting to kidnapping and raping a passenger he picked up in Miami Beach, according to court records reported by Local 10.
The victim informed detectives from the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office (MDSO) that she recalled leaving a Miami Beach nightclub in the early hours of June 4.
According to the police report, the woman found herself in pain upon waking up in the emergency room of HCA Florida Palm Lakes in Hialeah, unable to remember the events that transpired. “She believes she was drugged...she lost consciousness and only remembers leaving the local nightclub...she believes she was raped,” an MDSO officer stated in the report.
Surveillance footage obtained by the police shows Pérez Leyva carrying the unconscious woman into his apartment at 7220 NW 179th St., near Miami Lakes.
During questioning at the Special Victims Unit in Doral, the suspect confessed to working as an Uber driver when he picked up the woman, admitting to having sexual relations with her while she was intoxicated.
Following his arrest, Pérez Leyva was incarcerated at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center on June 19. The next day, he appeared before a judge who denied bail, ordered his detention, and prohibited any contact with the victim.
Pérez Leyva is facing two first-degree felony charges: kidnapping, punishable by life imprisonment, and sexual battery against a physically incapacitated or defenseless victim, which carries penalties of up to 30 years in prison under Florida law.
In addition to the criminal charges, the accused has an immigration hold issued by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The case will be presided over by Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Alberto Milian. The formal arraignment is scheduled for the morning of July 9.
If convicted of the charges, Pérez Leyva could spend the rest of his life behind bars, followed by potential deportation proceedings upon serving any other sentence.
This incident adds to previous cases involving Cuban Uber drivers in the Miami metropolitan area accused of sexual crimes against passengers. In March 2025, Yaroslandys Elozegui Romero, 35, was arrested for forcing a client into sexual acts along SR 826. In October 2023, Yadir Alejandro Góngora was detained for posing as an Uber driver and sexually assaulting a tourist in Miami Beach; and in March of the same year, Wilder Ariel Sosa Olivero was arrested in Hialeah for kidnapping, physical assault, and indecent exposure to a passenger.
As of June 1, Uber was facing over 3,500 sexual assault lawsuits in federal litigation. Between 2017 and 2020, at least 9,805 individuals reported assaults committed by drivers of the platform.
FAQs about Uber Driver Assault Cases in Florida
What are the charges faced by Yusel Pérez Leyva?
Yusel Pérez Leyva is facing charges of kidnapping and sexual battery against a physically incapacitated or defenseless victim. These are first-degree felonies under Florida law and could result in life imprisonment.
How has Uber responded to sexual assault allegations?
Uber has faced over 3,500 sexual assault lawsuits in federal courts and has been working on improving safety measures for passengers and drivers. They have initiated various safety features and policies to address these concerns.
What happens if Pérez Leyva is convicted?
If convicted, Yusel Pérez Leyva could spend the remainder of his life in prison, and upon completion of any sentence, he may face deportation proceedings.
Who will preside over Pérez Leyva's case?
Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Alberto Milian will preside over the case, with the formal arraignment scheduled for July 9.