From the Athens Banner-Herald

An Uber driver has been arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting an Athens woman after giving her a ride last month.

John M. Kamens, 49, of Statham allegedly provided a ride to the 28-year-old Uber customer on Dec. 14 and later burglarized her home and sexually assaulted her, Athens-Clarke County police said.

“The suspect is an Uber driver and made contact with the victim while providing her transportation the night of the incident,” police Capt. Mike Hunsinger said. “Evidence indicates the burglary was with the intent to commit the felonious assault.”

Police said the assault happened between 11:30 p.m. Dec. 15 and 1 a.m. Dec. 16, and it was immediately reported by the victim.

“The offender was identified by investigators using information provided by the victim and through investigative follow-up,” Hunsinger said.

Kamens was arrested on warrants Wednesday afternoon and was being held at the Clarke County Jail without bail being set.

He was charged with aggravated sodomy with force and first-degree burglary.

The company Kamens worked for, Uber Technologies, is an international transportation network company headquartered in San Francisco. The company developed a smartphone application allowing consumers to submit trip requests, and the company locates the closest available drivers, who use their personal vehicles.

A similar service is provided by such companies as Lyft and Sidecar.

The legality of these so-called ridesourcing companies has been challenged by governments and taxi companies, who allege its use of drivers who are not licensed to drive taxicabs is unsafe and illegal.

The companies advertise they perform criminal and driving background checks on potential drivers.

A website developed by the Taxicab, Limousine & Paratransit Associationwww.whosdrivingyou.org maintains a list of links to new stories about rideshare drivers being arrested for crimes ranging from DUI and robbery to rape and kidnapping.

Anyone who has been sexually assaulted or knows someone who has can contact The Cottage Sexual Assault Center and Children’s Advocacy Center. The agency provides a range of free services to child and adult victims of sexual and physical abuse, including medical accompaniment, advocacy, referrals, counseling and support groups.

The Cottage also maintains a 24-hour crisis and information hotline, at (877) 363-1912.

For more information visit www.northgeorgiacottage.org

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