Kentucky Lyft driver charged with sodomy, kidnapping now faces federal immigration detainer

A Kentucky Lyft driver is accused of sexually assaulting a passenger and faces sodomy and kidnapping charges, plus an immigration detainer from authorities. Kentucky Kentucky Lyft driver charged with sodomy, kidnapping now faces federal immigration detainer Yordan Diaz Vera allegedly revealed gun, forced victim into sexual acts after pulling over during ride By Alexandra Koch Fox News Published February 20, 2026 8:30pm EST Facebook Twitter Threads Flipboard Comments Print Email Add Fox News on Google close Video Sean Hannity: Democrats are shielding illegal immigrants Fox News host Sean Hannity criticizes Democrats for 'shielding' illegal immigrants and weakening law-enforcement efforts on ‘Hannity.’ NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! A Kentucky Lyft driver accused of sexually assaulting a female passenger during a ride to a doctor’s appointment is now also the subject of a U.S. immigration detainer, according to local police records. Yordan Diaz Vera, 34, of Louisville, is charged with first-degree sodomy, menacing and kidnapping, according to Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) records obtained by Fox News Digital.He also has a U.S. immigration detainer, indicating federal authorities believe he is subject to removal. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) did not immediately confirm to Fox News Digital if Diaz Vera was in the country illegally. Yordan Diaz Vera, 34, of Louisville, is charged with first-degree sodomy, menacing and kidnapping. (Louisville Metro Police Department) UBER IN HOT SEAT AS PROBE FINDS VIOLENT OFFENDERS WERE CLEARED TO DRIVE PASSENGERS: REPORT The victim told authorities that on Feb. 4, her doctor's office arranged a Lyft ride to take her from her home to an appointment.After picking the victim up, Diaz Vera allegedly opened the car's glove compartment, revealing a gun, according to an incident report. Police said he then pulled over, got out of the car and into the backseat with the victim.She tried to escape, but was unable to open the door due to it being locked, the report noted. Lyft said Diaz Vera was removed from the platform. (iStock) LYFT DRIVER ACCUSED OF BRUTAL BACKSEAT ATTACK, THREATENING TO KILL PASSENGER DURING RIDE Once Diaz Vera was in the backseat with the victim, he forced her into sexual acts, according to authorities.The victim said once she was dropped off at the doctor's office, she was able to call police.LMPD officials told Fox News Digital there is "currently" no evidence to indicate the incident was part of a pattern of related incidents. Lyft said it is working with authorities in relation to the case. (Serene Lee/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) "The subject was taken into custody quickly due to the prompt reporting and timely investigative actions by the LMPD SVU Office of Sexual and Physical Investigations," the LMPD wrote in a statement. "It is our hope that timely investigations and successful prosecutions such as this empower victims—past, present and future—to come forward and communicate with law enforcement."A Lyft spokesperson told Fox News Digital that Diaz Vera was permanently removed from the Lyft platform, and the company is assisting law enforcement with the investigation.CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP "The behavior described is reprehensible and has no place in the Lyft community or society," the spokesperson wrote in a statement. All Lyft drivers must meet certain requirements to drive on the platform, including holding a valid Social Security number and driver’s license. Alexandra Koch is a Fox News Digital journalist who covers breaking news, with a focus on high-impact events that shape national conversation.She has covered major national crises, including the L.A. wildfires, Potomac and Hudson River aviation disasters, Boulder terror attack, and Texas Hill Country floods. Related Topics KentuckyImmigrationCrimeU.S.Police and Law Enforcement True Crime The hottest stories ripped from the headlines, from crime to courts, legal and scandal. Arrives Weekly By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can opt-out at any time. Subscribe Subscribed Subscribe You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter!