Uber Driver Convicted of Sexual Battery Against UC Davis Student

Carmichael man faces up to 1 year in county jail for attack inside victim's home

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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A Carmichael man who worked as an Uber driver has been convicted in Yolo County of two counts of sexual battery for an attack inside a UC Davis student's home on Nov. 1, 2023. The jury found the 46-year-old defendant, Safiullah Miakhil, guilty of groping, kissing and fondling the student against her will after entering her Davis home. The student immediately reported the incident to police and later testified at the trial, which the prosecutor praised as an act of "immeasurable courage and tenacity."

Why it matters

The Davis case comes amid a rise in high-profile civil lawsuits over assaults linked to rideshare trips, which has renewed debate over how much responsibility companies like Uber bear for rider safety. This verdict underscores the need for increased safety measures and accountability in the rideshare industry.

The details

According to prosecutors, the defendant climbed into the back seat of the victim's car, then followed her into her home where he committed the sexual battery. The student immediately reported the incident to police, and the jury ultimately returned guilty verdicts on two counts of sexual battery.

  • The incident occurred on November 1, 2023.
  • The jury trial and guilty verdict took place in 2026.

The players

Safiullah Miakhil

A 46-year-old Carmichael man who worked as an Uber driver and was convicted of two counts of sexual battery against a UC Davis student.

UC Davis student

The victim who was sexually assaulted by the Uber driver in her own home.

Stefanie Deciollis

The deputy district attorney who praised the victim's courage in testifying at the trial.

Jeff Reisig

The Yolo County District Attorney who said the verdict validated the victim and urged riders to stay alert when using ride-hailing services.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The case now moves to sentencing, where a county jail term, not state prison, is the maximum punishment that prosecutors have alleged.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for increased safety measures and accountability in the rideshare industry, as well as the importance of victims coming forward and testifying to seek justice.