Uber Driver Charged With Sexual Assault Detained By ICE

ASHLAND, MA - An Uber driver faces sexual assault charges in Ashland was detained by immigration authorities on Monday.

Jose Arevalos-Avalos, 37, of Holliston, was arrested by ICE after he was released by local authorities on $3,000 bail. Arevalos-Avalos faces immigration violations and officials plan to deport him "following resolution of the pending criminal charges against him," ICE spokesman John Mohan said.

Arevalos-Avalos was arrested Friday afternoon after a woman told police he sexually assaulted her during her commute to work in Ashland. He offered her $100 for sex and put his hand between her legs when she refused, police said. He later put her hand between his legs, according to police.

Arevalos-Avalos has had trouble with the law before. A final order of removal was issued for him in 2010 following his conviction for possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, according to ICE officials.

He was deported in 2011 but later illegally re-entered the country. He was caught in 2013 and sentenced to 13 months in federal prison. Since he was released from prison, he has been free from ICE custody on an order of supervision - until Friday's arrest.

His order of supervision has been revoked and ICE said they are considering Arevalos-Avalos a public safety threat.

Uber did not immediately respond to Patch's request for comment.

Photo Credit: Ashland PD