On Wednesday, Sept. 2, DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert B. Berlin and Elmhurst Chief of Police Michael Ruth announced that bond had been set for an Uber driver accused of sexually abusing a 23-year-old woman upon arrival at her destination in Elmhurst.
Ghazwan Alani, 32 of Palatine, appeared at a bond hearing Wednesday morning, where Judge John Kinsella set bond at $100,000 with 10% to apply. Alani has been charged with three counts of Criminal Sexual Abuse, a Class 4 Felony.
According to the reports, on May 19, 2019, the victim arranged for an Uber ride to bring her to a location in Elmhurst. At approximately 1:19 a.m., the woman arrived at her location. It is alleged that upon arrival, Alani exited the vehicle, opened the rear driver’s side door, entered the back seat of the vehicle and sexually abused the woman.
The victim was able to escape out of the rear passenger’s side door after kicking her attacker. She then ran from the vehicle and entered her destination.
The following morning the woman contacted the Elmhurst Police Department. An investigation, which included extensive forensic and DNA analysis, led the Elmhurst police to Alani, who was taken into custody from his home in Palatine on Tuesday.
“The allegations against Mr. Alani are outrageous,” Berlin said. “After a night out, the victim in this case protected herself and the motoring public by taking an Uber only to be allegedly sexually abused by her driver. While ride-sharing services are safe, there are simple precautions you can take to protect yourself. Be aware of your surroundings. If at all possible, try to travel with someone. If you must travel alone, share your ride details with others such as where you are coming from and when and where you will arrive.
“I would like to thank the Elmhurst Police Department for their truly outstanding work in identifying the defendant in this case.”
Alani’s next court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 24 for arraignment in front of Judge John Kinsella.
Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendant’s guilt.
