Taxi cab driver found guilty of 2013 rape in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara jury found 47-year-old Hamidullah Sarwary guilty for the rape of an intoxicated 21-year-old woman that occurred in 2013.

On Wednesday, Santa Barbara County District Attorney Joyce E. Dudley announced that Sarwary, a former cab driver for Beach Taxi Compnay, was found guilty of rape by a Santa Barbara jury.

On July 31, 2013, the victim, a 21-year-old woman, became too drunk and was escorted from a Santa Barbara nightclub by a friend after the club’s bouncer told her to leave. The friend brought the young woman out to State Street where a cab, driven by Sarwary, picked up the victim and was instructed to take her home.

Instead, Sarwary took the young woman to Shoreline Park where he climbed into the backseat of the taxi cab and sexually assaulted the intoxicated woman.

Dudley commended the young woman’s bravery for testifying in court. Dudley also applauded the investigation conducted by the Santa Barbara Police Department as well as the prosecution led by the Deputy District Attorney, Wesley Meyer.

District Attorney Dudley also stated that “this conviction will ensure that the defendant will no longer be able to violate the safety and security of this community — or any other.”

Sarwary was convicted of of Sexual penetration of an intoxicated Person, rape of an intoxicated woman, and assault with intent to commit rape. Sarwary faces up to 22 years in prison.

Sarwary will be sentenced on August 29, 2017 at Santa Barbara Superior Court.