Kentucky Uber Driver Charged After Police Say He Raped Unconscious Passenger in Secluded Parking Lot
RICHMOND, KY — A Kentucky Uber driver has been arrested after investigators say he raped an unconscious female passenger during a late-night ride in August. Police allege the driver, 61-year-old Clifford Partin of Corbin, assaulted the woman after pulling into a secluded parking lot hidden by trees and bushes.
Police: Passenger Passed Out and Driver Pulled Off Route
According to the arrest warrant, the victim had been drinking heavily at a party on High Street on Aug. 30 and ordered an Uber because she was too intoxicated to drive. Shortly after entering Partin’s vehicle, she lost consciousness.
Instead of taking her home, police say Partin drove to a remote section of a nearby lot and parked for roughly 25 minutes. Surveillance video reportedly captured the vehicle entering the lot and remaining stationary during the timeframe when the assault occurred.
Victim Woke Up and Demanded to Be Taken Home
Court documents state the woman regained consciousness sometime later and immediately demanded to be let out. She instructed Partin to drop her off a short distance from her residence so he would not know where she lived.
Investigators obtained GPS trip data from Uber, which they say matched the victim’s account of the vehicle’s stops and movements that night.
Driver Admitted to Rape During Polygraph Interview, Police Say
Kentucky State Police reported that Partin agreed to take a polygraph examination. During the interview, authorities say he admitted to raping the woman while she was unconscious inside his car.
Partin was arrested and charged with:
- First-degree rape — incapable of consent or physically helpless
- First-degree sodomy — incapable of consent or physically helpless
He was booked into the Madison County Detention Center on Monday and is scheduled to appear in Madison District Court on Wednesday, Dec. 3.
Bond Set at $100,000 as Investigation Continues
According to jail records, Partin’s bond is set at $100,000. Police say the longtime Corbin resident has no prior criminal history, and it remains unclear whether he has retained legal counsel.
Authorities have not released additional details, but the investigation is ongoing.
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