Lyft Driver Sexually Harassed, Groped 17-Year-Old: Lyons Police

LYONS, IL — A Lyft driver has been charged with battery after he sexually harassed and tried to have sex with a 17-year-old girl, Lyons police said. Anthony Vicari, 40, of Chicago, was called to pick up the 17-year-old at her friend's home in Worth and drive her to her home in Lyons on Oct. 12. On Oct. 13, the mother of the victim brought her in to the police department and told police her daughter had been sexually harassed by Vicari, police said.

The victim told police that while Vicari was driving her home he made repeated sexual advances toward her and asked her to go to a motel with him. When at stop lights, Vicari would rub her thigh and leg and her ask sexual questions about performing sex, police said.

Lyons Police conducted an investigation and determined that Vicari had been the driver. He was identified after investigators served a search warrant for information on the Lyft Company.

According to police, once Vicari was identified as the driver, he voluntarily sat through an interview with officers on Friday, Dec. 7. Vicari admitted touching the victim's legs, but blamed his actions on his personal circumstances, explaining he had just been divorced and was troubled.

Vicari will appear at the Bridgeview Courthouse in January. Although Vicari has no prior convictions, records show he has had several past sex-related arrests which were not prosecuted.

Police said the arresting officers sought advice from the Cook County State's Attorney's Office in felony review about felony charges on this case, involving sexual harassment, but the State’s Attorney rejected the felony charges, saying they would only apply if the victim was under the age of 17.

Photo provided by Lyons Police Department.