Uber driver with history of ‘sexually inappropriate behavior’ groped woman during ride, prosecutors say

The driver, Sargon Nano, faces a felony count of criminal sexual abuse and a misdemeanor count of battery in the incident, records show.

More than a year after a woman alleged she was groped by an Uber driver during a late-night ride, charges have been filed against a 36-year-old man who prosecutors say has a history of engaging in “sexually inappropriate behavior” with riders.

The driver, Sargon Nano, faces a felony count of criminal sexual abuse and a misdemeanor count of battery in connection with the incident on Sept. 1, 2018.

A spokeswoman for Uber said the company banned Nano’s access to the Uber app after receiving a complaint from the woman and that he had not taken a trip with Uber since.

But prosecutors said it wasn’t the first time riders had complained about Nano’s behavior. read more »

Missouri Attorney General Refers 12 Catholic Clergy for Prosecution

An investigation found that 163 priests or clergy members were accused of sexual abuse or misconduct against minors.

The Missouri attorney general will refer a dozen men who previously served as Roman Catholic clergy for potential criminal prosecution, his office announced on Friday after a yearlong statewide investigation into clergy sexual abuse.

The investigation found that 163 priests or clergy members were accused of sexual abuse or misconduct against minors.

“Sexual abuse of minors by members of Missouri’s four Roman Catholic dioceses has been a far-reaching and sustained scandal,” Attorney General Eric Schmitt said at a news conference Friday morning. “For decades, faced with credible reports of abuse, the church refused to acknowledge the victims and instead focused their efforts on protecting priests.” read more »

The Reporters Who Exposed Harvey Weinstein

In their new book, “She Said,” the Pulitzer Prize-winning reporters Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey take readers inside the investigation that launched a movement.

Despite years of whispers, when Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey began investigating claims of sexual misconduct against Harvey Weinstein, his name was still synonymous with power.

They spent months sifting through documents, uncovering secret payouts and nondisclosure agreements, and worked tirelessly to persuade his accusers to speak publicly. read more »

The Royal Family Is Scrambling Over Prince Andrew’s Jeffrey Epstein Connections

Their tendency to ignore stories until they go away doesn't seem to be working with this scandal.

Since convicted sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein died of an apparent suicide in a Manhattan jail cell last month, the press has been taking a closer look at the individuals who associated with him during his lifetime. One of the high-profile names that keeps rising to the top of the list? That would be Prince Andrew, Duke of York, the 59-year-old son of Queen Elizabeth. The British royal family has long brushed off concerns about the duke’s personal ties to Epstein, but the scandal has finally become too loud for them to ignore: The palace has been forced to issue multiple statements about Prince Andrew’s dealings with Epstein, which is notable, as the Queen rarely comments on anything. And still, the stories about the duke and Epstein continue to circulate—allegations that threaten the reputation of the entire family. How long will the palace keep protecting the Queen’s favorite son? read more »