Most people do not realize that a relatively low percentage of violent crime cases in Boston ever lead to arrests. Fewer still lead to convictions. This may be surprising to those who base their perception of police on TV shows and movies, in which the investigators always catch the “bad guys.” In reality, police often face serious criticism for failing to follow up on clear evidence – even when it is right in front of their eyes. A recent example involved DNA evidence that would have led Boston Police straight to a serial rapist.
Uber Driver Left Clear DNA Evidence But Was Never Arrested or Charged
In 2024, various sources reported on a strange case involving rape in Boston. WBUR states that in 2016, an Uber driver took a woman to his apartment despite her request to be dropped off at a hotel. She claims that she was raped in the apartment, and DNA evidence clearly pointed to the Uber driver. However, the man was never arrested or charged, and police failed to warn the public about the presence of a suspected sexual predator.
Over the next few years, three more women came forward with similar stories, with each woman providing DNA evidence pointing to the same Uber driver. Boston police still failed to arrest or charge him. The rapes continued, and after the fifth woman came forward, the police finally decided to act. They arrested the man, accessed his phone, and found evidence that he had raped at least 10 more women since the 2016 incident.
Police now say that the defendant was posing as a rideshare driver and that he had never actually worked for Uber. He also seemed to wait outside bars in Boston, specifically targeting heavily intoxicated women.
Why Was He Never Arrested?
Police have provided various explanations for why they never arrested the man despite clear DNA evidence. Some representatives say they could not move forward because the victims refused to testify. Others say that the Boston Police is traditionally reluctant to pursue sexual assault cases for whatever reason. Statistics show that only about 20% of all sexual assault cases lead to arrests.
However, perhaps the most intriguing theory is that this man’s sister is the Attorney General of Boston. At the time of these incidents, she was a Boston City Councilor. The implications here are obvious: The defendant had friends in high places, and he was able to leverage this influence to avoid prosecution.
Can a Defense Attorney Help With Issues Regarding DNA Evidence?
Whether police misplace DNA evidence or simply fail to follow up on it, it still makes sense to take seriously allegations involving rape in Boston. This is a serious offense in Massachusetts, and you should consider working with an experienced defense attorney if you face these accusations personally. Contact Edward R. Molari today to continue discussing potential defense strategies in more detail.