Boston Uber Driver Charged with Raping and Kidnapping a Passenger

Alejandro Done allegedly strangled and raped a woman he picked up who needed a ride home

Photo: Getty

A Boston man who works as a driver for Uber was arraigned Wednesday on several charges in connection with a sexual assault.

Alejandro Done, 46, has been charged with rape, kidnapping and other charges for allegedly strangling and sexually assaulting a woman after picking her up in Boston and presenting himself as the driver for a ride-sharing service, according to a statement from Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan.

“This alleged predator took advantage of a young woman who trusted that he was who he portrayed himself to be and exploited her vulnerability once he had her in his car,” Ryan said in the statement.

According to authorities, the young woman had been out with friends on Dec. 6 and wanted to use a car service to get home. After stopping at an ATM so she could get cash for the driver, he allegedly drove her to an unfamiliar location in a secluded area and jumped into the backseat.

He then allegedly hit her, strangled her and covered her mouth so she could not scream, in addition to locking the car doors so she couldn’t escape. He then sexually assaulted her, authorities allege.

It is unclear whether Done used information available on the Uber app to target the victim, according to the DA, who adds that the company has been cooperative throughout their investigation.

“This is a despicable crime and our thoughts and prayers are with the victim during her recovery. Uber has been working closely with law enforcement and will continue to do everything we can to assist their investigation,” Kaitlin Durkosh, a spokesman for Uber Boston, said in a statement.

Done is being held without bail until a sentencing hearing on Dec. 24.