Police: Lyft driver sexually abused passenger during ride on Long Island

Monday, December 17, 2018
CENTRAL ISLIP, Long Island (WABC) -- Police on Long Island arrested a Lyft driver who they say sexually abused a passenger in Central Islip early Sunday morning.

Authorities say 36-year-old Hussein Saleh picked up two female passengers in Patchogue and that during the drive, he allegedly sexually abused the woman sitting in the front seat.

Prosecutors say he touched the woman's chest and put his hands up her skirt, and that the victim was incapable of consent

According to court documents, she was "severely intoxicated."

One of the women then called 911 from the vehicle, and police responded around 3 a.m.

Saleh, a father of two who lives with his brother, was arrested and charged with two counts of sexual abuse.

He appeared in court Monday and was held on $50,000 bail.

His public defender questioned the veracity and credibility of the women's statements.

Saleh reportedly has no criminal history.

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