Ex-Uber driver in US admits rape, sentenced for up to 12 years

Boston: A former Uber driver in the US who raped and kidnapped a woman here in 2014 has been sentenced to up to 12 years in jail, according to an attorney, who called for caution when using ride-sharing taxi services.

Alejandro Done, 47, of Boston, was sentenced to 10 to 12 years in prison after he pleaded guilty in Middlesex Superior Court on Friday to charges of aggravated rape, kidnapping, and assault and battery for a December, 6, 2014 attack, a day after when a woman executive in Delhi alleged that she was raped by a Uber driver.

Done was driving for the popular ride-hailing service when he picked up a woman on Tremont Street, then demanded she withdraw cash from an ATM, drove her to a secluded location, and physically and sexually assaulted her, according to a statement from Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan's office.

"The defendant preyed upon a young woman who trusted that he was who he portrayed himself to be," Attorney Ryan said.

"I encourage the public to take precautions when using any ride-sharing service. While these apps are a modern convenience, they are not without their risks.

"Customers should make sure to verify license plates and car make and models before entering any vehicle, and remain active and aware of their surroundings," she said.

Uber, an American international transportation network company headquartered in San Francisco, declined to comment on the case, media reports said.

In the case of the Uber driver in India, the woman, who had filed a lawsuit in a US court against Uber, "voluntarily" dismissed the case last month. There was no mention in the court papers about why the case was dismissed and under what terms.