A man has been arrested after a report of sexual battery involving an international student.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office has arrested Steeve Louis, 23, who confessed to impersonating an employee of a popular money transfer app to deceive and sexually assault a woman.
On August 17, 2023, Louis met the victim while working as an Uber driver. She was a passenger in his vehicle. He provided his phone number to the victim, who was in the United States on a student visa attending a local university. He installed his Cash App on her phone. A couple of days later, the victim -- an adult woman -- began receiving messages on her cell phone from someone claiming to be a Cash App employee enforcing federal law.
The “employee” said she had to prove she was in a relationship with Louis in order to have his Cash App account on her phone. If she could not, she will lose her student visa. Fearful and coerced, the victim arranged to meet with Louis to stage some photos.
After sending the staged photos to the "employee," he responded that they were not intimate enough. Out of fear, the victim undressed and was going to pretend to be intimate with Louis; however, he sexually assaulted her.
Through investigative means, detectives discovered that Louis was the “employee” texting the victim. He impersonated a Cash App employee to intimidate the victim and take advantage of her.
"I am profoundly disturbed by the actions of an individual who, under the guise of authority, took advantage of an international student's vulnerability," said Sheriff Chad Chronister."The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office will continue to stand against those who exploit and harm others in our community."
Steeve Louis has been charged with two counts of Sexual Battery by a Person 18 or Older Upon a Victim 18 or Older.
This investigation is ongoing, and the Public Affairs Office will provide any further information.