Ride Share Driver Charged With Attempted Rape of a Minor in Upstate New York

A driver for Uber and Lyft has been arrested and charged with attempted rape, after a mom reports a grotesque situation to law enforcement.

A mom from Upstate New York took to social media last week to share details and a warning for parents after her son was allegedly sexually assaulted by the ride-share driver who picked him up.

Ride Share Driver Attempts to Rape a Minor in Clifton Park, NY

According to the mom's post on Facebook (below), an Uber driver picked up her son from the Clifton Park Mall in Upstate New York last week and attempted to sexually assault the minor.

The post stated,

"This guy here on Friday picked my son up from Clifton Park Mall, pulled over to Ellis hospital with my son in the backseat and the driver, Thomas got in the backseat with my son and sexually assaulted him."

 

The mom reported the incident to local law enforcement, who quickly began an investigation leading to the arrest of a 53-year-old man.

Ride Share Driver Arrested, Accused of Rape

According to the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office, Thomas F. Cipriano, of Halfmoon, NY, was arrested on Thursday and charged with felony second-degree attempted rape, unlawful imprisonment, and misdemeanor endangering the welfare of a child.

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In a press release posted to Facebook, the Sheriff’s Office stated that Cipriano is accused of attempting to engage in oral sexual contact with another person less than 15 years old on August 1st, 2025, in the town of Clifton Park, NY.

He was also charged with restraining that person and with knowingly acting in a manner likely to be injurious to their physical, mental, or moral welfare.

Ride Share Safety

"If you’re using a ride share, be aware of your surroundings, verify your ride, and share your trip,” said Sheriff Michael H. Zurlo. “I commend the bravery of the victim in this case and encourage others to take a few proactive steps to ensure a safer ride for everyone.

The case remains an active investigation, and the Sheriff's Office requests that anyone with additional information contact Investigator Jared Gardner at jgardner@saratogacountyny.gov.