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    Judge reserves ruling on motion to reinstate communication privileges for ex-Uber driver

    By Tomas Rodriguez, Fort Myers News-Press,

    7 days ago
    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1DniUC_0uSD7Tcn00

    Four months after a judge revoked communication privileges from an incarcerated former Uber driver who contacted the victim he is accused of sexually assaulting, the judge reserved ruling on a motion that seeks to reverse the ban.

    Felix Torres, 39, of Fort Myers, is charged with one count of sexual battery while wearing a hood, mask or other covering; and one count of kidnapping.

    Lee Circuit Judge Bruce Kyle on Monday reserved ruling on the request to reverse the state's motion he approved March 5. The hearing lasted less than five minutes.

    According to the motion filed by state prosecutors four months ago, Torres attempted to contact the victim from the Lee County Jail. The state has asked for the removal of his phone, kiosk, messaging and visitation privileges.

    Assistant State Attorney Erin Hughes said in court Monday the state will not file additional charges for Torres' attempt to contact the victim.

    Torres has remained in custody since his Dec. 6, 2022, arrest.

    What happened Dec. 4, 2022?

    An Uber ride became the center of a Lee County Sheriff's Office investigation after authorities determined Torres put on a mask before assaulting the female victim after he dropped her off.

    Around 4 a.m. Dec. 4, 2022, deputies responded to Ashlar Apartments, in the 13000 block of Corbel Circle, in Fort Myers, in reference to a sexual battery.

    The victim was walking to her door when Torres attacked her, the report indicates.

    After analyzing video surveillance, the investigation led detectives to Torres' residence, who confirmed he worked for Uber and drove the victim home that morning.

    Days after news of the attack began circulating, Uber officials reacted by banning Torres, company officials said in a statement.

    Tomas Rodriguez is a Breaking/Live News Reporter for the Naples Daily News and The News-Press. You can reach Tomas at TRodriguez@gannett.com or 772-333-5501. Connect with him on Threads @tomasfrobeltran, Instagram @tomasfrobeltran and Facebook @tomasrodrigueznews.

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