Taxi Driver Allegations Spark Outrage

A taxi driver in New York City, originally from Algeria, is still on the loose after being accused of assaulting two women in his cab. The situation has drawn criticism, especially towards Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, from sources familiar with the case.

Mohamed Berebia, 34, has reportedly pleaded guilty to a lesser charge in one of the incidents, according to court records.

One victim, 23-year-old Maile Bartow, recounted that on November 10, 2024, after a night out with friends, she hailed a Bellever Yellow Cab. During the ride, she claims Berebia touched her leg multiple times and then groped her, despite her repeated requests for him to stop.

After moving to New York from Nashville, this incident shattered Bartow’s dream of living in the city, prompting her to leave shortly after.

In a separate, later report, another woman alleged that on December 12, 2024, while in Berebia’s cab, he groped her and attempted to remove her underwear. Following these allegations, Berebia was arrested on December 19 and faced charges in both cases.

Bartow expressed shock upon learning that there was another victim, saying, “Oh my god,” when she found out from the Post.

While Bartow’s case saw Berebia charged with misdemeanor offenses that could lead to serious penalties, he ultimately pleaded guilty to a minor charge of disorderly conduct in March. This plea deal allowed him to avoid prison time unless he commits further offenses.

Bartow was frustrated that the DA’s office did not keep her updated on his plea deal. “They never told me he was pleading guilty to lesser charges,” she stated. Despite her attempts to reach out, she received little communication back.

Now, she is left feeling unsettled, especially knowing that Berebia is back driving cabs. “He’s back on the road driving the exact same taxi again,” she lamented. “I wasn’t involved at all. They didn’t ask me what I was okay with.”

Recalling the night of her assault, she described how Berebia parked outside a bar and handed her his phone to input her address. She noted how close he was to her, with no barriers in the cab. As they drove, he began asking her questions and, rather unnervingly, reached for her leg.

“I pushed it away and said please stop,” she recounted, describing how things escalated quickly. “He started putting his hand in my vaginal area.”

In an attempt to document what was happening, Bartow tried to take a photo but was confronted by Berebia, who snatched her phone and deleted her pictures. Terrified, she pleaded for him to let her out as the situation continued to heighten.

Eventually, he stopped and let her get out a few blocks from her home. Although she offered to pay for the fare, he sped off when she couldn’t provide cash, leaving her feeling violated and frightened. The next day, shaking from the trauma, Bartow contacted the police.

Berebia, unaware of Bartow’s lawsuit against him, asserted that the criminal case was sealed and chose not to comment further when approached by reporters.

A spokesperson from the Manhattan Police confirmed that the charges against Berebia weren’t bailable and emphasized that he had no previous criminal history.

Officials stated that the Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) had not received a record of Bartow’s complaint, as taxis are required to have partitions or cameras, although exceptions apply. Bartow’s lawyer expressed that her experience embodies a significant issue many women face, highlighting the need for justice in such cases.

After the traumatic experience, Bartow moved back to Nashville about six weeks later and continued to follow up on the situation, feeling unheard and frustrated by the lack of communication regarding the case. Having been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, she is now seeking damages under the state’s Gender-Motivated Violence Act.

The whole process has left her feeling disillusioned, capturing the despair many victims encounter in navigating the justice system. “It’s ridiculous,” she concluded, “that someone did this and he’s still allowed to drive a taxi.”