What to Know
- A Lyft driver sexually abused a woman in his car while he was driving on Long Island early Sunday, police said
- Hussein Saleh, 36, of Farmingville, was charged with two counts of first-degree sex abuse, Suffolk County police said
- Saleh, who was represented by Legal Aid during Monday's arraignment, plead not guilty
A Lyft driver sexually abused a woman in his car while he was driving on Long Island early Sunday, police said.
Hussein Saleh, 36, of Farmingville, was charged with two counts of first-degree sex abuse, Suffolk County police said.
Saleh, who was represented by Legal Aid, pleaded not guilty during Monday's arraignment. Bail was set at $25,000 and orders of protection were issued for the victim and witness.
According to police, he picked up two women passengers in Patchogue. While in Central Islip, he allegedly sexually abused a woman sitting in the front seat. According to court documents, that woman was severely intoxicated to the point of being unconscious and incapable of consent.
One of the women called 911 from the car, police said.
During Monday's arraignment, the defense questioned the credibility of the women. His lawyer said he's a father of two with no criminal record, working two full-time jobs.
In a statement, a Lyft spokesperson said, "The allegations described are horrific. The safety of our community is our number one priority. Upon learning of the incident, we immediately deactivated the driver."
