BOSTON, Sept. 2, 2016—A ride-share driver was arraigned today following his arrest for sexually assaulting a female passenger in his vehicle earlier this week, Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel F. Conley said.

MICHAEL VEDRINE (D.O.B. 1/31/84) of Brockton was arraigned today for allegedly assaulting a passenger in his Uber car in the early morning hours of Aug. 31. Assistant District Attorney AlexaRae Wright recommended that he be held on $50,000 cash bail, wear a GPS device, and refrain from driving any livery vehicle. Judge Lisa Ann Grant released him on his own recognizance.

Vedrine is accused of sexually assaulting the victim, a woman in her 20s, in his vehicle during a ride to her home and continuing the assault after she told him to stop. When she left the vehicle, he allegedly followed her and sexually assaulted her a second time.

The victim reported the assault to Boston Police, who interviewed her and Vedrine. They seized Vedrine’s phone and vehicle for forensic examination and further investigation. Shortly after Vedrine’s interview, prosecutors said, Vedrine allegedly called the victim. Based on the evidence gathered thus far and new concerns raised by the phone call, detectives took him into custody.

Sexual assault can happen to anyone. While the victims of any crime should call 911 in an emergency or to report a crime, survivors of sexual violence can also call their local rape crisis center for free and confidential services and to discuss their options. Support is available for all survivors of sexual violence, regardless of whether they wish to take part in a criminal prosecution. Services by city and town can be found at www.janedoe.org/find_help/search.

In Suffolk County, The Boston Area Rape Crisis Center offers a free and confidential 24-hour hotline at 800-841-8371. The BARCC provides medical accompaniment and many other free services to victims of rape and sexual assault. Suffolk victim-witness advocates can assist in referrals to BARCC and a wide array of non-profit service providers who can offer additional support and services.

Vedrine was represented by attorney Kristen Wheeler. He will return to court on Oct. 13.

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All defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.