Elgin Uber driver found guilty of sexually abusing passenger

A McHenry County judge on Tuesday found a 29-year-old former Uber driver guilty of sexually abusing a passenger and encouraging her to engage in prostitution.

Judge Robert Wilbrandt issued the verdict Tuesday evening, finding Elgin resident Ahmed Tawfeeq guilty of attempted aggravated criminal sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual abuse, aggravated battery, restraint and promoting prostitution.

The most serious charge, attempted aggravated sexual assault, typically is punishable by four to 15 years in prison. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for Dec. 19. Tawfeeq was free on bail during his trial, but was jailed after he was convicted.

On June 16, 2017, Tawfeeq gave the woman a ride from her parents’ home in Elgin to her townhouse near Prairie Grove. Tawfeeq stopped the trip early and proceeded to sexually assault her in a parking lot, the woman testified at trial.

Tawfeeq’s attorney said earlier this week that the allegations were made only after the woman learned that Tawfeeq “had money” from several business ventures on the side.

Tawfeeq faces an additional charge of harassing a witness after he allegedly solicited another person to harm or kidnap the woman to keep her from testifying against Tawfeeq in court, records show.

A jury trial on the harassment charge is set for Jan. 6.