Split verdict for Uber driver accused of sexually abusing intoxicated passengers

Yahoo

16-05-2025

AUBURN, Ala. (WRBL) – A Lee County jury has returned a split verdict in the trial of Theodore Leroy Halls, a former Uber driver from Opelika accused of sexually assaulting two passengers in separate incidents in 2020 and 2022.
After three days of emotional testimony, hours of dashcam footage, and intense closing arguments, the jury found Halls guilty of first-degree sexual abuse and first-degree sodomy related to the 2022 case. He was not convicted of first-degree rape, but jurors found him guilty of the lesser-included charge of first-degree sexual abuse in that incident.
In the 2020 case, the jury found Halls not guilty of rape and not guilty of sexual abuse.
Prosecutors described Halls as a predator, alleging he cruised downtown Auburn looking for women who were too intoxicated to legally consent. Both alleged victims testified they had no memory of getting into Halls' vehicle, of any sexual encounter, or of being dropped off. They said they could not have consented to what occurred.
The case centered around disturbing dashcam footage recorded inside Halls' white GMC Yukon. The videos showed both women appearing disoriented, slurring, and struggling to dress themselves. In one instance, Halls was seen helping the woman pull her pants on after a sexual encounter.
Halls took the stand in his own defense Thursday. He testified both women initiated the sexual activity and he believed the encounters were consensual. During cross-examination, prosecutors questioned the credibility of his account, citing his own recorded statements where he described one of the women as 'passed out' and 'and pointing to a search history that included pornographic content involving intoxicated women.
Throughout the trial, Lee County Circuit Judge Jeffrey Tickal took deliberate steps to protect the integrity of the courtroom. Given the graphic nature of the evidence, he restricted access to the media room, limited movement in and out of the courtroom, and reminded jurors daily not to research or discuss the case. His efforts aimed to preserve fairness for both the prosecution and the defense, while safeguarding the dignity of the alleged victims. Judge Tickal did allow a single pool camera to record the reading of the verdict so it could be shared publicly.
Following the verdict, Judge Tickal ordered Halls' to remain in custody until sentencing, which is scheduled for June 17, 2025.
At the conclusion of Friday's proceedings, both the prosecution and defense declined to comment on the outcome.
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