Man posed as ride-share driver, kidnapped and raped woman, prosecutors allege

Logo for car-sharing company Uber on the passenger side windshield of a vehicle on October 13, 2017.

Credit: Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images, File

Credit: Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images, File

Logo for car-sharing company Uber on the passenger side windshield of a vehicle on October 13, 2017.

Prosecutors allege a man posing as a ride-share driver kidnapped a woman from a Boston nightclub last month, drove her to Rhode Island and then raped her.

Alvin Campbell Jr. was arraigned on kidnapping and rape charges Thursday in Boston and is being held on a bail of $250,000. Suffolk County prosecutors allege Campbell may also be connected to additional sexual assaults.

Campbell is accused of picking up a woman who was waiting for an Uber outside The Harp nightclub in Boston after a holiday party Dec. 7, according to court documents. Her Uber ride was canceled at the last minute, but Campbell, allegedly posing as a ride-share driver, pulled up, identified her by name and convinced her to get inside the car, prosecutors said.

The ride should have been a quick 10 minutes to her home, but prosecutors said she was instead driven to Cumberland, Rhode Island, where she was sexually assaulted by a man identified by authorities as Campbell. The woman was dropped off at a Dunkin’ and then managed to get back to Boston to be checked at a hospital, prosecutors said.

Surveillance video from the area outside the nightclub and in Rhode Island, along with DNA evidence and other records were used to connect Campbell to the kidnapping and rape, prosecutors said.

Campbell is the brother of Boston City Councilor Andrea Campbell.

"I am heartbroken, saddened and devastated by this news. I will continue to pray for the victim who had the courage to come forward and I want her to get all of the supports, services, and protections she is entitled to," Andrea Campbell said Thursday in a statement. "I will also pray for my brother. I'm trusting that the judicial process will ensure that justice is served."

At the time of his arrest, Alvin Campbell was free on his own personal recognizance in connection with a separate assault charge he’s facing. Authorities said he accused of assaulting two women outside a Boston nightclub last spring.

About the Author