On December 6, 2025, North Miami Beach Police arrested Uber driver José Miguel Pérez-Molina, an Uber driver, after he was accused of engaging in lewd and inappropriate conduct toward a 15-year-old passenger during a ride that was requested to take her home from work.
According to media reports, Police say that during the trip, Pérez-Molina began making sexual comments toward the teen and touched her thigh without her consent while driving. Investigators say that the teen requested an Uber on Sunday, from a salon in Aventura to a friend’s home in Sunny Isles Beach. She was picked up by a driver identified in the app as “Jose,” matching Perez-Molina and his Toyota Corolla. The report states that the teen claims that Perez-Molina repeatedly asked the victim if she had a boyfriend, called her “pretty,” and questioned her age. When she told him she was 15, he replied that it was “a problem” because he was 39.
Perez-Molina then pulled into a plaza while the teen was locating the correct address, and while parked, he allegedly turned around, touched her knee, caressed her face and touched a scab on her arm, telling her he could “take care of” her. The teen told detectives the touching was unwanted. According to the police report, Perez-Molina also suggested they park somewhere so he could “teach [her] how to kiss.” The girl said she repeatedly told him no and that she was only 15.
Fearing the situation would escalate, the victim recorded part of the conversation with the driver on her phone. Police said the audio captured Perez-Molina making comments about kissing her and waiting for her despite her age. According to the report, the teen ran from the vehicle in tears once she arrived at her destination and immediately told a friend and her parents, who contacted law enforcement.
Sunny Isles Beach Police officers later showed the victim a photo lineup, and she identified the suspect “without hesitation,” according to the report. A license plate reader also placed Perez-Molina’s vehicle in the area at the time of the incident.
Detectives identified and located Pérez-Molina shortly thereafter. He was arrested and charged with lewd and lascivious conduct against a minor between 12 and 16, a second-degree felony under Florida law. Investigators corroborated details of the ride through Uber’s trip data.
Uber issued a statement confirming that Pérez-Molina has been permanently removed from the platform and that the company is cooperating with the investigation.
Rideshare Safety and Minors
Rideshare services are frequently used by teens traveling to and from work, school, and other activities. While most drivers are professional, the private and enclosed nature of a rideshare vehicle can place minors in vulnerable situations.
This case underscores several safety concerns:
- Teen passengers often ride alone
- Drivers have control over the vehicle’s route and stops
- Inappropriate comments or touching can escalate quickly in an isolated environment
- Many teens may be hesitant to report misconduct
Parents are encouraged to review ride logs, ensure location sharing is enabled, and discuss safety steps with teen riders.
Horowitz Law Is Here to Help
Horowitz Law is a law firm representing survivors of sexual abuse. We have handled multiple cases of sexual abuse by Uber and rideshare drivers. If you or a loved one experienced misconduct by José Miguel Perez-Molina or any other rideshare driver, contact our law firm at 888-283-9922 or email sexual abuse lawyer Adam Horowitz at adam@adamhorowitzlaw.com for a free consultation.