In a reversal of the high-profile case that drew national scrutiny, the Galveston County District Attorney’s Office has announced it will decline prosecution against Sameh Mohamad Chami, the Uber driver previously charged with aggravated kidnapping with intent to commit sexual assault.
The decision comes after defense counsel for Mr. Chami presented evidence to prosecutors that “conclusively showed that Mr. Chami could not have committed the alleged offense.”
“Surveillance video from a nearby daycare confirms that the timeline of events made the allegations against our client impossible,” said Brett Landriault, a senior trial attorney representing Mr. Chami. He added that forensic results further supported his client’s innocence.
The initial arrest and charges, which followed an incident in August, led to an immediate press release from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and extensive news coverage, focusing heavily on Chami’s status as an illegal alien who had overstayed his tourist visa. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin had stated that ICE lodged an arrest detainer to prevent his release.
Despite the state’s decision to drop all criminal charges, Chami, a native of Lebanon, remains in custody at the Galveston County Jail. He is being held on the immigration detainer lodged by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
- Original Allegation: Chami failed to depart the U.S. after his B-2 tourist visa expired on December 1, 2022, making him unlawfully present.
- Current Custody Status: He is expected to be transferred from the local jail to an ICE detention facility in the coming days pending removal proceedings.
“We’re relieved that the state has recognized what we’ve maintained from the very beginning — that Mr. Chami is innocent of these allegations,” said Ben Michael, Managing Partner of Michael & Associates. “We remain hopeful that federal authorities will also see that the facts do not support any criminal conduct.”
According to Michael & Associates, the FBI is currently reviewing the case to determine whether any federal charges will be pursued, though none have been filed to date.
READ: Shots Fired At Border Patrol Agents In Chicago During Immigration Operation; Suspect At Large
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