Bus Driver's Trial Set to Begin on Sexual Assault Charges

A former bus driver charged with sexually assaulting a woman passenger on a paratransit vehicle a year ago will likely head to trial in Prince George’s County this week.

Ezra Porter Jr., 51, of Upper Marlboro is accused of stopping a MetroAccess paratransit vehicle on April 19, 2013 and assaulting the only passenger on board as he was taking her to her home in Bowie, The Washington Post reports.

“During the transport, Porter allegedly pulled the vehicle over and threatened to harm her if she did not remove her pants,” according to a statement from the Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office. “Fearing for her safety, the victim removed her pants and Porter allegedly sexually assaulted her.”

Porter then took the woman home and her family contacted the police, Metro Transit Police said last year. The driver was arrested soon after the allegations were made.

Authorities said Porter faces one count of second-degree assault and several sex offense charges.

Porter worked for MV Transportation at the time of the alleged attack and had been a driver since November 2009, Metro officials said. MV Transportation was under contract to provide services for MetroAccess, which provides transportation to those who are disabled.

WJLA TV reported last year after the assault that in 2010 passengers complained that several drivers for MV Transportation had physically assaulted riders. After the complaints, drivers underwent more training on how to deal with the public.

Porter has not been allowed to work for MetroAccess since police investigated the assault allegations last year.