HOUSTON — Bond has been raised for a former Uber driver accused of sexually assaulting his customers.
Cesar Martell was charged with attempted sexual assault in December 2023. The following month, two more sexual assault charges were added after prosecutors said DNA linked him to other cases.
The 29-year-old suspect faced a judge last Friday for the two additional felony charges. That's when his bond was raised to a total of $600,000 for all three of his sexual assault charges.
Initial attack
In June 2021, a woman told police she had just left a nightclub and a man picked her up while she was walking along Highway 59. The man soon stopped the car, locked the doors and then climbed on top of her, she described. The woman said she fought back but that's when the man began choking her. She said she managed to kick him, get to the back seat then run for help.
Martell was identified as the suspect in this case and charged with attempted sexual assault in December 2023.
Other attacks
According to prosecutors, DNA evidence now ties Martell to two sexual assault investigations from May 2023.
In those cases, Martell reportedly worked as an Uber driver and the victims were unsuspecting customers.
"As an Uber driver this is someone, they thought they had reason to trust,” said Harris County Assistant District Attorney Barbara Phillips. "For someone who is in that vulnerable trusting position to be taken advantage of, it's terrifying."
Uber deleted Martell from its platform as soon as it heard about the allegations, and they'd contacted police.
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Prosecutors believe there could be even more victims.
“We are always hopeful that if someone has been a victim, whether it’s a sexual assault of any other crime, please reach out to your local police department and the sheriff’s office,” said Phillips. “Reach out, get help, let us know what's going on, and let us be able to continue this investigation."
As of Tuesday, Martell remains in jail. If he bonds out, part of his bond conditions includes no contact with the victims. He's also not allowed to work for a ride-sharing service.
His next court date is set for March 26.