Uber Driver Convicted of Sexually Assaulting UC Davis Student

Safiullah Miakhil found guilty of sexual battery after incident in 2023

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A Yolo County jury has convicted a 46-year-old Carmichael man named Safiullah Miakhil of sexually assaulting a UC Davis student after giving her a ride home from a Halloween party in 2023. Prosecutors said Miakhil, an Uber driver, groped, kissed, and fondled the student against her will after arriving at her home.

Why it matters

This case highlights the vulnerability of rideshare passengers, especially young women, and the importance of holding perpetrators of sexual assault accountable, even in cases that may take time to make their way through the criminal justice system. It also underscores the need for rideshare companies to prioritize passenger safety and thoroughly vet their drivers.

The details

According to the Yolo County District Attorney's Office, the incident occurred on November 1, 2023, after the student ordered an Uber to take her home from a Halloween party in Davis. Once they arrived at her residence, Miakhil allegedly got into the backseat of the car and sexually assaulted the student. The student reported the incident to the police, and Miakhil was later charged and convicted by a Yolo County jury.

  • The incident occurred on November 1, 2023, after the student ordered an Uber to take her home from a Halloween party in Davis.
  • Miakhil was convicted by a Yolo County jury in 2026.

The players

Safiullah Miakhil

A 46-year-old Carmichael man who was convicted of sexually assaulting a UC Davis student while working as an Uber driver.

UC Davis student

The victim in this case, who ordered an Uber to take her home from a Halloween party in Davis in 2023.

Yolo County District Attorney's Office

The prosecutorial agency that brought charges against Miakhil and secured his conviction.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The young woman who was victimized in this case demonstrated immeasurable courage and tenacity, from the time of the assault in 2023, while the case took its course through the criminal court system, and especially in testifying at trial about such a traumatic event.”

— Stefanie DeCillis, Yolo County Deputy District Attorney (abc10.com)

“The jury's conviction is an affirmation to the courageous young victim in this case and a warning to the depraved who dare to think that they will get away with such perverse misconduct.”

— Jeff Reisig, Yolo County District Attorney (abc10.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will determine Miakhil's sentence at a hearing in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

This case underscores the need for rideshare companies to prioritize passenger safety and thoroughly vet their drivers, as well as the importance of holding perpetrators of sexual assault accountable, even in cases that may take time to make their way through the criminal justice system.