A MetroAccess driver allegedly sexually assaulted a customer in January, the transit agency said.
The customer, who has Down syndrome, was able to fight off her attacker on Jan. 28 in Prince George's County, Md.
"In route to the residence, the operator pulled over and sexually assaulted the victim," Metro Transit Police Deputy Chief Jeff Delinski said.
The victim told a coworker, who reported the allegations.
Jose Del Castillo, 55, of Gaithersburg, was charged with third-degree sex offense and second-degree sex assault Thursday.
“Metro Transit Police take these reports very seriously, conduct a thorough investigation and take the appropriate action, as evidenced by the charges that we filed,” Delinski said. “We do everything we can to protect Metrorail, Metrobus and MetroAccess riders.”
Castillo worked for Challenger Transportation, a subcontractor for MV Transportation, which Metro contracts to provide MetroAccess service. He was suspended without pay Jan. 30 and fired Thursday.
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Castillo had been with MetroAccess since May 5, 2009. Before he was hired, a background check uncovered no previous felony convictions or misdemeanors of a violent or sexual nature.
Metro Transit Police also have been investigating a Jan. 3 report of a sexual assault involving another MetroAccess driver, who was suspended without pay in January and fired in February but has yet to be prosecuted.
