Uber driver accused of sexually assaulting college student stands trial in Tampa

TAMPA, Fla. - The trial began for an Uber driver who is accused of sexually assaulting one of his passengers, through a ploy using Cash App.

Steeve Louis was arrested and charged with sexual battery in October 2023. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said he plotted to sexually assault an international student last summer.

In court on Thursday, the state said this student, who was 20 years old at the time, was in the U.S. to attend the University of South Florida.

RELATED: Tampa man impersonating Cash App employee accused of sexually assaulting international student: HCSO

"She was completely by herself, worried, isolated," the prosecutor said.

Prosecutors said, in August 2023, she called an Uber home from a restaurant, and Louis was the driver who picked her up.

"He asked her questions that were personal," the prosecutor said. "He asked her about her status as a student. He learned she was here on visa."

Pictured: Steeve Louis in court. 

Prosecutors said the victim told Louis that her tuition was due soon, and she was discussing with her family how the payment would be made internationally. Prosecutors said Louis took the victim’s phone when he was dropping her off, downloaded Cash App and said he would help her set it up.

READ: Mother who lost son in Ybor City shooting launches movement against gun violence: 'We can make a difference'

"He installed the app, he set it up, he took her number, he gave her his, and he put his number in her phone, and he told her to call him if she needs anything," the prosecutor said.

Officials said the victim started getting text messages from an unknown number claiming to be an agent with Cash App.

In court on Thursday, prosecutors showed text messages from this so-called agent, threatening to take the victim’s visa for allegedly using Louis’ information to set up Cash App.

"In order for her to avoid losing her visa, he needs to be provided evidence," the prosecutor said. "Evidence that he describes as intimate, showing that she and Steeve Louis are in a relationship."

Prosecutors said the threatening messages continued, until the victim met up with Louis again, and they sent video evidence that painted the picture that the two of them were in a relationship.

MORE: Laci Peterson’s shocking murder revisited in new documentaries

Prosecutors said it was at this point that the victim was coerced into performing multiple sexual acts with Louis.

"You will see that she never asked this person to provide identification," Louis’ attorney said. "She just blindly went along with everything he said."

Prosecutors said Louis was behind the scheme though to get to the victim, and that he admitted this to detectives.

"Steeve Louis tells them, ‘I really liked her, but she told me no, so I created this whole thing. Federal agent. Messaged her. And it worked’," the prosecutor said.

Louis’ attorney argued that the victim stayed in contact with Louis through text message.

"Where she tells him that she likes him, how the long hug they shared was cute and wholesome," Louis’ attorney said. "She will also tell him she had a great time."

CRIME: Man robbed at home after winning $100K at Hard Rock Casino months before Riverview couple

Prosecutors said the victim eventually blocked Louis and reported the situation to the sheriff’s office. Louis’ attorney maintained his innocence and said this was a consensual relationship.

On Thursday afternoon, the court also heard testimony from detectives on this case. The judge dismissed the jury Thursday afternoon, and expects the trial to conclude at some point on Friday.

WATCH FOX 13 NEWS:

STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA:

• Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV
• Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines
• Download the SkyTower Radar app
• Sign up for FOX 13’s daily newsletter