Felix Manuel Torres has been found guilty as charged of Sexual Battery with Great Force While Masked plus all special findings. The former Uber driver raped a passenger. The jury returned the guilty verdict following a three-day trial in Lee County.
Assistant State Attorney Adam Sullivan and Assistant State Attorney Erin Hughes, Lee County Circuit Court Assistant Chief, prosecuted the case.
The crime happened on December 4, 2022. The victim was returning home to her apartment in Lee County from Naples, via Uber. The defendant picked her up and drove the woman to her home. She exited the vehicle and as she walked towards her apartment, she was pushed to the ground. She attempted to fight back by kicking the defendant and screaming. He overpowered her and raped her, while wearing a mask to conceal his identity.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office was contacted and began an investigation. Witness testimony and information from Uber led to the positive identification and arrest of the defendant.
Sentencing is scheduled for January 13, 2025.
Samantha Syoen – Communications Director, State Attorney’s Office