A 40-year-old Uber driver was arrested Tuesday for allegedly raping a female passenger, according to the Boston Police Department.
Michael Squadrito of Everett is accused of picking up his passenger from downtown Boston and taking her to a location in Dorchester to sexually assault her.
Prosecutors said the victim was celebrating her birthday in downtown Boston. She called an Uber around midnight Monday and said her driver pulled over on a one-way street, got into the backseat and raped her.
The victim told police the driver then offered to take her home afterward. She declined and her mother picked her up. She went to Brigham and Women's Hospital and reported the rape.
Squadrito allegedly told police he had a camera in his car that would show the sexual encounter was consensual. But police were unable to find anything on the device from that date.
"This gentleman says he did not commit any wrongdoing and he"s very eager to clear his name," said defense attorney Nancy Hurley.
At his arraignment in Dorchester District Court, Squadrito hid from cameras while Assistant District Attorney Darcy Currey described the victim's alleged encounter.
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"She remembers the suspect feeling heavy on top of her," Currey said. "The next thing she remembers was the defendant stating, 'I'm finished. Do you want me to pull up your pants for you?'"
Squadrito pleaded not guilty and was held on $10,000 bail. He is scheduled to return to court on Nov. 21.
"What's been reported is deeply disturbing and our thoughts are with the rider during this difficult time," an Uber spokesperson said in a statement. "The driver's access to the app has been removed and we will continue to cooperate with law enforcement."
