OC Rideshare Driver Faces Sexual Assault Allegations; Authorities Ask for Other Victims to Come Forward
Felipe Rico-Ceballos Arrested in Connection with Kidnapping and Sexual Assault
COSTA MESA, Calif. – The Costa Mesa Police Department has arrested 43-year-old Felipe Rico-Ceballos on charges of kidnapping and sexual assault following an incident involving an intoxicated passenger on February 27.
Rico-Ceballos, a registered rideshare driver from Ontario, is accused of posing as a helpful driver to gain the victim’s trust before taking her to a separate location where the alleged assault occurred. After dropping her off elsewhere, the victim reported the incident to authorities.
Police apprehended Rico-Ceballos on March 5, and the Orange County District Attorney’s Office has since filed charges against him. Investigators are now examining whether there may be additional victims due to his employment in the rideshare industry.
“During the course of the investigation, it was determined Rico-Ceballos does work for a rideshare company,” the Costa Mesa Police Department stated in a release on Wednesday. The department expressed concern that there could be more individuals who may have experienced similar distressing encounters with Rico-Ceballos.
Authorities encourage anyone with information regarding Rico-Ceballos or potential encounters to come forward. Detective E. Peralta can be reached at 714-754-5039, and Sergeant J. Jacobi is available at 714-754-5352.
The investigation continues as police seek to ensure the safety of all passengers in the community.
