A Cuban driver for the rideshare app Empower was taken into custody in Hialeah after being accused of forcibly kissing and inappropriately touching a 17-year-old passenger during a ride, according to local Miami media reports.
The driver, Vicente Fermín Rodríguez Hernández, 45, was arrested on Thursday at a residence in Hialeah. He faces charges of lewd or lascivious conduct against a minor, classified as a felony under Florida law.
Allegations of Misconduct During the Ride
As detailed in the arrest report from Hialeah Police, cited by WSVN 7News and Telemundo 51, the incident began when the teenager booked a ride through Empower on Wednesday afternoon after an appointment. Throughout the journey, Rodríguez Hernández called her "beautiful" in Spanish, claimed to own a business and needed employees, and suggested meeting that evening to discuss job opportunities. He inquired about her relationship status but never asked her age.
The driver diverted the vehicle to a park near the Bonterra condominium, the young woman's final destination. He parked the car and asked her to join him in the back seat. According to the police report, as the victim leaned in for a polite hug, Rodríguez Hernández embraced her with both arms, turned her head, and forcibly kissed her on the mouth without her consent, as reported by Univision Miami.
Victim's Resistance and Subsequent Messages
Despite the teenager repeatedly saying "no, no, no" and physically pushing his hand away, the suspect touched her genitals over her clothing three to four times and attempted twice to reach inside her pants. She told the police she remained in the vehicle for about 30 minutes until the driver finally took her home, where he forcibly kissed her again before she exited.
Rodríguez Hernández took the girl's phone, entered his contact details, and called his own phone to capture her number. He later sent her messages expressing that he "liked her kisses" and proposed meeting again to discuss employment. The victim responded that she was single and not looking for a relationship but was open to discussing job opportunities. Rodríguez Hernández then suggested meeting to talk about work, after which she ceased all communication, the police report states.
Arrest and Court Proceedings
Authorities identified the suspect through Empower's information and the phone number he provided to the victim. Though his registered address is in Downey, California, he had given a Hialeah address to a dealership when purchasing the Hyundai Santa Fe used for the service. Upon arrest, he invoked his right to remain silent.
In court, a judge found probable cause, set bail at $5,000, and mentioned possible criminal history in California. As of the latest reports, he remains held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center.
Rising Concerns in Miami's Rideshare Community
This incident is part of a troubling pattern of Cuban rideshare drivers being arrested in the Miami metropolitan area during 2023. Just two days prior, Joe Luis Suárez Pozo, a 51-year-old Cuban Uber driver, was detained in Hialeah for allegedly sexually assaulting a 63-year-old woman, with bail set at $7,500.
In June, Yusel Keoma Pérez Leyva, a 42-year-old Cuban Uber driver, was arrested in Doral on charges of kidnapping and sexually assaulting a passenger. A judge denied him bail, and the Department of Homeland Security issued an ICE detainer.
Under Florida law, the charge of lewd or lascivious conduct involving a minor is a third-degree felony, which can lead to up to five years in prison.
Understanding Legal Consequences and Safety in Rideshare Services
What are the legal penalties for lewd conduct against a minor in Florida?
In Florida, lewd or lascivious conduct against a minor is classified as a third-degree felony, potentially resulting in a prison sentence of up to five years.
How did authorities identify the suspect in this case?
Authorities identified the suspect using information from the Empower app and the phone number he provided to the victim.
What steps can passengers take to ensure their safety when using rideshare services?
Passengers should verify driver details, share trip updates with trusted contacts, and sit in the back seat. It's also advisable to report any uncomfortable situations to the rideshare company and authorities.