Felix Torres has had his communication privileges revoked since March 5.
It took a judge about two weeks to rule on a motion to reinstate communication privileges for a former Uber driver accused of sexually assaulting his female passenger, denying the request.
Felix Torres, 39, of Fort Myers, faces one count of sexual battery while wearing a hood, mask or other covering; and one count of kidnapping.
Lee Circuit Judge Bruce Kyle on July 30 denied the motion filed July 3 and heard in court July 15. The motion hoped to reinstate communication privileges for Torres. Fifteen days prior, Kyle reserved ruling on the request to reverse the state’s motion he approved March 5.
According to the motion filed by state prosecutors four months ago, Torres attempted to contact the victim from the Lee County Jail. The state asked for the removal of his phone, kiosk, messaging and visitation privileges.
Cape Coral probe: At least 25 lawsuits filed in 2024 against Cape Coral builder raided by police
Assistant State Attorney Erin Hughes said in court Monday the state will not file additional charges for Torres’ attempt to contact the victim.
Torres has remained in custody since his Dec. 6, 2022, arrest. He appeared in court Monday and is next due for an Aug. 26 trial call.
What happened Dec. 4, 2022?
An Uber ride became the center of a Lee County Sheriff’s Office investigation after authorities determined Torres put on a mask before assaulting the female victim after he dropped her off.
Around 4 a.m. Dec. 4, 2022, deputies responded to Ashlar Apartments, in the 13000 block of Corbel Circle, in Fort Myers, in reference to a sexual battery.
The victim was walking to her door when Torres attacked her, the report indicates.
After analyzing video surveillance, the investigation led detectives to Torres’ residence, who confirmed he worked for Uber and drove the victim home that morning.
Days after news of the attack began circulating, Uber officials reacted by banning Torres, company officials said in a statement.
Tomas Rodriguez is a Breaking/Live News Reporter for the Naples Daily News and The News-Press. You can reach Tomas at TRodriguez@gannett.com or 772-333-5501. Connect with him on Threads @tomasfrobeltran, Instagram @tomasfrobeltran and Facebook @tomasrodrigueznews.
