Felix Rojas, 44, has been arraigned on charges stemming from an incident where he allegedly performed sexual acts on an unresponsive passenger in his taxi. The case came to light after video evidence was presented to authorities showing the alleged assault.
According to court documents, Rojas appeared before a judge this week to face multiple charges related to the incident. The arraignment follows an investigation that began when law enforcement obtained video footage documenting the alleged crime.
The Allegations
Prosecutors allege that Rojas took advantage of a passenger who had become unconscious in his vehicle. The video evidence reportedly shows Rojas engaging in sexual acts with the passenger who was clearly unable to consent due to their state of unconsciousness.
The passenger, whose identity has been withheld to protect their privacy, was reportedly unaware of what had occurred until authorities contacted them as part of the investigation. Law enforcement officials stated that the video evidence was crucial in building their case against Rojas.
Legal Proceedings
During the arraignment, Rojas was formally presented with the charges against him, which include sexual assault and abuse of an incapacitated person. The judge set bail conditions and outlined the next steps in the legal process.
The prosecutor handling the case emphasized the serious nature of the allegations, stating: “This represents a profound breach of trust. Passengers expect to be safe when using transportation services, not to be victimized when they’re vulnerable.”
If convicted, Rojas could face substantial prison time. Sexual assault of an unconscious victim carries severe penalties in most jurisdictions, reflecting the gravity of taking advantage of someone unable to consent.
Passenger Safety Concerns
This case has raised significant concerns about passenger safety in taxis and rideshare services. Safety advocates point to several important considerations for passengers:
- Travel with companions when possible, especially late at night
- Share trip details with trusted contacts
- Check driver ratings and reviews before entering vehicles
- Remain alert and aware during rides
Transportation safety experts note that while such incidents are relatively rare, they highlight the vulnerability of passengers who become impaired or unconscious during rides. Many transportation companies have implemented safety features in recent years, including emergency buttons and real-time trip monitoring.
Investigation Details
Authorities have not disclosed how they obtained the video evidence that led to Rojas’s arrest. However, police officials confirmed that the footage clearly shows the driver engaging in non-consensual sexual acts while the passenger remained unresponsive in the vehicle.
“The evidence in this case is particularly strong,” noted a law enforcement spokesperson. “The video leaves little doubt about what occurred in that taxi.”
Investigators are working to determine if there might be additional victims. They have asked anyone who may have had concerning experiences with Rojas to contact the police department’s special victims unit.
The taxi company that employed Rojas has terminated his employment and is cooperating fully with the investigation. In a statement, the company expressed shock at the allegations and affirmed its commitment to passenger safety.
Rojas is scheduled to appear in court again next month for a preliminary hearing. His attorney declined to comment on the specific allegations but stated that they look forward to presenting their client’s side in court. Meanwhile, Rojas remains in custody under the bail conditions set during his arraignment.
