Louisville rideshare driver accused of sexually assaulting passenger granted protective custody

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB/WAVE) — A Louisville rideshare driver accused of sexually assaulting a passenger in February appeared in court Friday, where a judge granted a request to place him in protective custody while in jail.

Louisville Police said Yordan Diaz Vera, 34, was arrested Feb. 5 and charged with sodomy, kidnapping and menacing in connection with an assault reported Feb. 4 in the 3200 block of Taylor Boulevard.

According to his arrest citation, the victim’s medical office ordered a Lyft to pick her up at her home and take her to an appointment. Diaz Vera picked up the woman but instead of taking her directly to the office, police said he pulled down the glove compartment to show a gun inside the vehicle and drove to a church parking lot near Churchill Downs.

The citation said Diaz Vera then got into the back seat of the vehicle with the victim, who told police she tried to escape but could not because the doors were locked. According to the victim's attorney, that's when Diaz forced the victim to "perform a sex act" that lasted several minutes.

Police arrested Diaz Vera the next day in a Kroger parking lot. He pleaded not guilty Feb. 6, where his bond was set at $100,000. If he posts bond, he will be placed on home incarceration while awaiting trial.

Diaz Vera has been in custody at Louisville Metro Corrections on an immigration detainer. During Friday's hearing, a judge granted a request for Diaz Vera to be housed in protective custody due to abuse in the general jail population.

Diaz's next court date is scheduled for Oct. 20 at 9:45 a.m.