Anaheim transient with a felony record convicted of sexually assaulting a Lyft driver

Samuel Nicholas Rodriguez, a 27-year-old transient with a very long criminal record, has been convicted of sexually assaulting and robbing a Lyft driver in Anaheim more than a year ago, according to the Patch.

Rodriguez called for a Lyft ride at about 7:15 a.m. on Dec. 18, 2022, and was picked up by a female Lyft driver in west Anaheim, according to the Anaheim Police Department. Rodriguez then attacked the driver with a knife and attempted to sexually assault her during the ride. She was however able to escape and call for help.

The jurors found Rodriguez guilty of a misdemeanor count of assault with the intent to commit a sex offense. He was also convicted of felony charges of robbery, assault with a deadly weapon and dissuading a witness by force, plus sentencing enhancements for the personal use of a deadly weapon.

Rodriguez’ criminal record is lengthy:

• Rodriguez pleaded guilty in August of 2022 to theft with a prior felony conviction of driving or taking of a vehicle and misdemeanor petty theft.
• He pleaded guilty in April of 2022 to a felony count of stealing a car with a prior felony conviction.
• He pleaded guilty in April 2021 to a felony count of buying or receiving a stolen vehicle or equipment with a prior felony conviction and a misdemeanor count of possession of drug paraphernalia.
• He pleaded guilty to felony charges of buying or receiving a stolen vehicle or equipment with a prior felony conviction and theft with a prior felony conviction of driving or taking of a vehicle, and a misdemeanor count of possession of a controlled substance in February 2021.
• He pleaded guilty to theft with a prior felony conviction and buying or receiving a stolen vehicle with a prior conviction, both felonies, and a misdemeanor count of possession of a controlled substance in May 2019.
• He pleaded guilty to felony car theft and misdemeanor counts of possession of drug paraphernalia and driving without a valid license in May 2018.
• He also pleaded guilty to burglary and possession of personal identifying information and a controlled substance in March 2016.

Hopefully the OCDA will ask for a lenthy prison sentence this time. Rodriguez is set to be sentenced on Feb. 23.