The case of Amir Attia, a 51-year-old Uber driver from Tustin, has sent shockwaves through Orange County. Attia was recently convicted of sexually assaulting an intoxicated passenger, raising serious questions about safety and accountability in the ride-hailing industry.

The incident, which occurred in July, involved a 25-year-old woman who had been drinking with coworkers after her shift at a Tustin bowling alley. The victim, now 33, testified that she had consumed apple cider beer, Fireball whiskey, and marijuana, leading to a blood-alcohol level of 0.241 and 0.239—far exceeding the legal limit of 0.08.

The Night of the Incident

After losing control of her car and crashing into a tree, Tustin police were called to the scene. The officers, noting her highly intoxicated state, arranged for an Uber ride to take her home. The victim recalled feeling scared and dizzy as she was escorted to the Uber vehicle. She described the driver, Amir Attia, as overweight, heavy, a bit tan, and bald.

The victim testified that she fell asleep shortly after getting into the car and woke up the next morning in her home, feeling soreness in her groin area. A subsequent medical examination confirmed that she had been sexually assaulted. DNA evidence found on the victim’s breast linked Attia to the crime.

The Legal Battle

Attia’s defense attorney, Ed Welbourn, argued that the case hinged on consent. However, Deputy District Attorney Elise Levy presented a compelling case, highlighting Attia’s prior conviction for sexual battery in 1993. Levy emphasized that Attia took advantage of the victim’s intoxicated state, noting that he called the victim’s boyfriend to help him remove her from his car.

During police interrogations, Attia initially denied any wrongdoing but later admitted to kissing the victim. When confronted with DNA evidence, he acknowledged more intimate contact but attempted to shift blame onto the victim, claiming she was drunk and horny.

The Victim’s Testimony

The victim’s testimony provided a harrowing account of the night. She recalled feeling fine to drive despite her intoxication, a decision she now deeply regrets. Her blood-alcohol level and the presence of marijuana in her system painted a clear picture of her impaired state. The victim’s boyfriend encouraged her to seek medical attention after she reported feeling soreness.

The Aftermath

The victim sued Uber and settled for a substantial amount. Attia, who faces up to 10 years in prison, is scheduled to be sentenced on August 27. This case underscores the importance of ensuring the safety of passengers, particularly those in vulnerable states.

The conviction of Amir Attia serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers lurking in seemingly safe situations. It also highlights the need for rigorous background checks and continuous monitoring of drivers in the ride-hailing industry. As the legal system seeks justice for the victim, the case prompts a broader discussion on how to prevent such incidents in the future.