Woman flees NYC after cabbie gropes her and is let off hook by DA Bragg — ‘I was so scared he was gonna … kill me’
A taxi driver in New York City (NYC) has been accused of sexually assaulting two women in his yellow cab, and the case has sparked criticism of the city’s handling of the complaints and of the driver’s continued presence on the streets.
Mohammed Belle Bélia, a 34‑year‑old Algerian immigrant who once worked as a social‑media marketer, was arrested on December 19, 2024, after Police received reports that he had touched the legs and private parts of passengers in his van‑style cab. Belle Bélia’s drivers’ licence was suspended in late December, but it was reinstated in March, and he is back in business, according to an interview with a former colleague.
The first incident involved 23‑year‑old Maile Bartow, a recent New York City transplant from Nashville. Bartow entered Belle Bélia’s cab around 2 a.m. on November 10, after a night out at The Spaniard bar on West 4th. The driver reportedly put his hand on her thigh, and when she told him to stop, he placed his hand on her genitals.
When she tried to take a photo, he tried to delete the pictures. Bartow was left feeling terrified and was eventually let off the cab in a nearby apartment building, but the incident left her with flashbacks and a diagnosis of post‑traumatic stress disorder.
A second woman—a 33‑year‑old passenger—was allegedly assaulted on December 12. Belle Bélia was charged with forcible touching and sexual abuse in both cases, crimes that could have carried up to a year in jail. Prosecutors, including Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, offered a plea that reduced the charges to disorderly conduct, a misdemeanor that typically involves a fine and preventive supervision. Belle Bélia pleaded guilty in March and received a conditional discharge: no jail time, provided he stayed out of trouble.
Many victim advocates and yoga instructor Bartow say the city justice system failed to keep her informed. “I was never told he pleaded guilty,” she told reporters. “I called three times, two didn’t even answer, and I only learned about the plea when I reached out myself.” She complained that the taxi, which was missing the required passenger partition and in‑vehicle camera, put her at risk.
The New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) says safety regulations require a seat‑belt partition or a camera system in all yellow taxis. Belle Bélia’s cab reportedly had neither. The TLC spokesman urged residents to report any suspected misconduct immediately through the police or 311. The Commission’s review, however, found no 311 complaint from Bartow and noted a second alleged victim was unresponsive when they tried to contact her.
Belle Bélia has denied any wrongdoing, describing the case as “finished” and refusing to discuss it publicly. He said the lawsuit filed against him and the ride‑hailing company Tranquil Taxi was sealed.
Bartow, who relocated to Nashville weeks after the first assault, is pursuing a civil claim under the state’s Gender‑Motivated Violence Act. She says the lack of communication from the District Attorney’s office has been “hell‑ish.” “He’s still driving a cab, and the city isn’t telling me what’s happening,” she reminded reporters.
The incident has reignited debate over taxi safety and the tone of New York City prosecutions for sexual misconduct. Advocates say better enforcement of partition and camera rules, and clearer communication with victims, would help prevent future assaults and ensure accountability. The city’s Taxi and Limousine Commission has pledged to review cab safety standards and increase the speed of complaint processing.
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