MIAMI BEACH, FLA. (WSVN) - A Lyft driver faced a judge after being accused of raping a woman inside a Miami Beach hotel.
“It’s a troubling case,” said Miami Beach Police officer Ernesto Rodriguez.
Samuel Buscevschi, 35, was arrested and faced multiple felony charges in court Tuesday morning.
“We’re investigating a case of a sexual battery,” said Rodriguez.
Miami Beach Police said he raped a woman inside the Eden Roc Hotel on Collins Avenue.
Court documents show Buscevschi was a Lyft driver for the victim, who was staying at the hotel.
The last thing she remembers is a call from Buscevschi at 1 a.m., and waking up in her room with her phone, ID and $500 cash gone.
“She’s seen on video surveillance being carried by this man, unable to walk on her own, appears to be extremely intoxicated,” said Rodriguez.
Police said the two were also seen on video going into her room after they got a new key from the front desk.
A little while later, Buscevschi leaves alone.
“Fast forward to later that morning, the victim contacts the police department, which is where we launched our investigation,” said Rodriguez.
Realizing that she had been assaulted, the victim also gave her Lyft records to police, showing, during the course of the early morning, the victim was charged nearly $300 for five additional Lyft rides.
This is the second time in a matter of weeks 7News reported on an assault involving a rideshare driver.
Police arrested 26-year-old Kevin Rojas, after they said a ride for a tourist from Wynwood to Miami Beach was cut short, when, police said, he sexually assaulted her in the back seat of his car.
“It’s definitely not suggested to travel by yourself,” said one woman.
“I think we all need to be better and look out for each other,” said a man.
Buscevschi is charged with sexual battery, fraudulent use of a credit card and first-degree grand theft.
7News reached out to Lyft for a statement and is waiting to hear back.
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