Report: Cab Driver Groped 13-Year-Old Passenger

A Roswell cab driver is facing charges he allegedly touched a 13-year-old passenger in an inappropriate manner. 

According to WSB-TV, Jose Ernesto Martinez De Lira, 45, has been charged with sexual battery after allegedly groping the female passenger at least twice.

The child told WSB-TV the driver allegedly made a lewd comment to her and groped her on one trip. The news station reported the girl and her siblings utilized De Lira’s business for transportation to school while their mother worked.

Initially, the girl said she did not report the incident and continued to patronize De Lira’s business. On another occasion, the teenager said De Lira grabbed her breasts, which propelled her to tell a friend, WSB-TV reported. That friend, in turn, told the teen’s mother, who informed the police.

Roswell police spokesperson said investigators believe this 13-year-old is not De Lira’s only alleged victim, and they are most likely in the Hispanic community, according to the news station.

While some residents in the city’s Hispanic community often fear being deported if they come forward to report abuse, Holland said Roswell police will help anyone who comes forward with complaints of this nature.

Photo credit: Roswell Police Department