PLANO, Texas — The Plano Police Department has arrested a 31-year-old Uber driver who was accused of sexually assaulting a 12-year-old rider.
Robert Johnson, a 31-year-old man, was driving for Uber and picked up a 12-year-old girl on July 9 around 2 p.m. in Frisco, police said. During the ride, Johnson pulled over in the 4200 block of Legacy Drive in Plano and sexually assaulted the child, according to a police news release.
WFAA obtained the arrest affidavit which explains the timeline in which the events happened.
According to the affidavit, Johnson picked the 12-year-old girl up from a medical facility in Frisco and was supposed to drop her off at her mother's home in Plano. Records say he was an Uber driver for Uber Health, a service that allows healthcare providers to monitor patients when they travel to and from centers, and pick up medical prescriptions.
According to the affidavit, Johnson pulled over into the parking lot of the shopping center and told the girl to get the front seat, then sexually assaulted her. Records say he told her "Don't tell nobody or there will be issues." Jennifer Chapman the Public Information Officer for Plano Police said the girl told her therapist the next day, who reported then reported it to police.
"His actions are disgusting," Chapman said. "To take advantage of our society in such a way that is demeaning and disgraceful is pathetic."
A judge issued a warrant for Johnson's arrest on July 12 for Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child.
After an investigation by the Plano Police Department Special Victims Unit, Johnson was brought into custody on July 15, police said.
Johnson was being held at the Collin County Jail in McKinney but was released from custody on bond on Monday, according to court records. The records show that Johnson posted a $200,000 bond with conditions. It was not immediately clear what those conditions will be.
Plano police were urging any additional victims to come forward and contact the Special Victims Unit tip line at 972-941-2044 or policetips@plano.gov.
"We want to make sure our community was aware of this in case there are any potential victims, and we want them to feel comfortable coming forward to us," said Chapman.
Uber officials in a statement to WFAA said they were working with Plano police on the investigation.
“This monstrous behavior has no place in our society or on the Uber platform," the Uber statement said. "We take reports of this nature very seriously and have permanently banned the driver. We have been in touch with the Plano Police Department regarding their investigation."
Plano PD released these strategies to be safe while using ride-share services:
- Follow your intuition. If your driver makes you uncomfortable or unsafe, trust your intuition and call 911.
- Avoid sharing personal details with your driver, like why you're going to your destination.
- Share your trip. Some rideshare services allow you to share your trip status with a friend or family member so they can track your location in real time.
- Check your ride. Before getting in the car, ensure the driver, car, and license plate match the information in the app.
- Have the driver confirm your name. Ask the driver to confirm your name before you get in the car instead of telling them your name.
- Be a backseat rider. Sitting in the back seat, especially if you're riding alone, can help you exit safely and give you some personal space.