Former Lyft and Uber Driver Held on $250,000 Bond in St. Charles County
St. Charles County authorities arrested a rideshare driver on January 16, 2025, charging him with sexual abuse of two passengers in separate incidents. Ahmad Rayahi, 37, faces multiple felony charges, including second-degree sexual assault and third-degree kidnapping, following attacks reported on January 9 and January 14. The St. Charles Police Department revealed that Rayahi worked for both Lyft and Uber while on an expired tourist visa in the United States. Investigators have launched a broader investigation, seeking additional victims who may have encountered the driver.
5 Key Points
- Police arrested Rayahi on January 16 following two reported sexual abuse incidents within five days.
- Victims include an 18-year-old Lyft passenger and a 34-year-old Uber passenger.
- St. Charles County prosecutors charged Rayahi with harassment, sexual assault, and kidnapping.
- Authorities confirmed Rayahi remained in the U.S. on an expired tourist visa.
- Investigators seek additional victims through the detective bureau.
Driver Targeted Late-Night Passengers in St. Charles Area
St. Charles Police arrested Ahmad Rayahi on January 16 after tracking a pattern of assaults against rideshare passengers. Court documents reveal Rayahi picked up an 18-year-old passenger through Lyft on January 9 in St. Charles, where he allegedly sexually abused the victim before they managed to escape and contact police. Five days later, Rayahi accepted a ride request through UberX from a 34-year-old passenger in Lake St. Louis. Police say he deviated from the intended route and drove to an isolated location where he committed acts of sexual abuse. The second victim escaped after contacting a friend who confronted Rayahi at the scene.
Immigration Status Complicates Criminal Case
The St. Charles County investigation uncovered that Rayahi operated both Lyft and Uber services while staying in the United States on an expired tourist visa. The St. Charles County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office filed multiple felony charges against Rayahi, including first-degree harassment, second-degree sexual assault, and third-degree kidnapping. A judge ordered Rayahi held on a $250,000 cash-only bond at the St. Charles County jail. The case raises questions about rideshare companies’ driver verification processes, particularly for individuals without valid immigration status.
Police Seek Additional Victims
The St. Charles Police Department launched a broader investigation to identify potential additional victims. “We urge anyone with information about Ahmad Rayahi or similar incidents to contact our detective bureau,” the department stated in Thursday’s news release. The police provided a direct line to their detective bureau at 636-949-3320 for witnesses or other potential victims to report information confidentially. Both Lyft and Uber maintain records of all rides through their platforms, which investigators now review as part of their ongoing case development.
FAQ
Q: Can I take legal action if I was sexually assaulted or abused during an Uber/rideshare trip?
A: Yes, you may have the option to pursue a legal claim. Contact our legal experts to learn about your rights and start a free, confidential case review.
Q: How did police identify the rideshare driver as a suspect?
A: St. Charles Police identified Ahmad Rayahi through both Lyft and Uber records after victims reported the assaults. The department tracked incidents on January 9 and January 14 to the same driver.
Q: What specific charges does the driver face?
A: The St. Charles County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office charged Rayahi with first-degree harassment, second-degree sexual assault, and third-degree kidnapping.
Q: How can passengers report incidents to the police?
A: The St. Charles Police Department asks anyone with information to contact their detective bureau directly at 636-949-3320. Reports can be made confidentially.
Q: What safety measures did the rideshare services have in place?
A: Both Lyft and Uber require driver background checks and maintain ride records. However, Rayahi operated on an expired tourist visa, raising questions about verification processes.
Q: Are the victims receiving support services?
A: While specific victim support details remain private, St. Charles County provides services through its Victim Services Division for survivors of sexual assault and abuse.
Q: Can rideshare companies be held liable in these cases?
A: Legal liability varies by jurisdiction and case specifics. Previous cases have led to policy changes at major rideshare companies regarding driver screening and passenger safety.
Q: How can passengers protect themselves when using rideshare services?
A: Safety experts recommend verifying driver and car details before entering, sharing trip details with trusted contacts, and using in-app safety features to track rides.
Citations
Schneider, J. (January 16, 2025). Rideshare driver charged in sexual abuse of two passengers in St. Charles County. FOX 2 Now St. Louis. https://fox2now.com/news/missouri/rideshare-driver-charged-in-sexual-abuse-of-two-passengers-in-st-charles-county/
