Uber Sued by SC Families After 12-year-old Allegedly Raped and Driven Across State Lines
Two families in South Carolina have filed a lawsuit against the popular ride-sharing service, Uber, following the alleged rape of their 12-year-old daughter. The man purported to have carried out the heinous act had reportedly hired the services of Uber to transport the minor across state lines.
Lawsuit Accuses Uber of Negligence
The lawsuit, lodged on July 24, accuses Uber of negligence due to the fact that the driver enlisted by the alleged perpetrator accepted to transport two underage girls across state lines, contrary to the company’s policy that requires minors under 18 to be accompanied by an adult during rides.
According to the lawsuit, the driver picked up the two girls, 12 and 13 years old respectively, and drove them to the man’s house in North Carolina, after they claimed that the man, identified as Fayvion Williams, was the 12-year-old’s father.
Allegations Against Driver
It is indicated in the lawsuit that the 13-year-old, prior to the start of the journey, had revealed their ages to the Uber driver, with hopes that he would abide by the company’s policy and refuse the ride. It is also stated that the driver failed to ask essential questions, despite the girls having shown signs of nervousness during the trip.
Alledged Incident at Williams’ Residence
On arriving at Williams’ residence, the Uber driver allegedly did not wait for the man, who was waving at the girls from a distance, to come and verify their safety before leaving the scene.
At Williams’ home, the girls reportedly smoked marijuana under Williams’s encouragement, and it is alleged that he proceeded to sexually assault the 12-year-old. There are further allegations that he filmed the ordeal and later sent the recording to the other girl.
Return Trip and Arrest
After the alleged assault, Williams purportedly arranged for another Uber ride to take the girls back home. The 13-year-old mother noticed them exiting the Uber and demanded information from the driver who revealed that a man named Fayvion paid for the ride. Following this revelation, Williams was apprehended by law enforcement and eventually charged with statutory rape, possession of child pornography, and other felony offenses. Williams pleaded guilty to statutory rape on July 2, 2024.
Uber Response
In response to the lawsuit, Uber commented saying they were not in a position to comment on ongoing litigation but later said the details of the incident were horrific. The company expressed their commitment to help combat human trafficking and promised to continue investing in preventive efforts and more educational resources for their drivers.
Advice for Parents
In a bid to protect children from such incidents, law enforcement urges parents to always monitor their children’s devices and understand their online communication. Lt. Corey Goehagan of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police (CMPD) Special Victims Division advised parents to frequently check their child’s device manually or set up a software to assist in doing so.
