Taxi service faces fines, suspension after harassment complaint
A Gorham-based taxi company is facing possible suspension of its license and $500 in fines from the city of Portland over a harassment allegation that erupted over social media last month.
In a June 18 letter to Yellow Cab owner Abderrahim Lembarra, the city of Portland’s Department of Aviation and Transportation said it is issuing a 30-day suspension to his taxi driver’s license and business license, and fining him and the company $250 each after determining that Lembarra violated the city’s taxi ordinance by harassing two women.
The decision was issued after complainant Amber Dorcus alleged in a formal complaint that Lembarra harassed her and a friend by trying to persuade them to enter his taxi cab with three other men and then becoming vulgar when they refused. Dorcus originally recounted the May 3 incident in a blog, which was then shared by other blogs and social media accounts.
In the June 18 letter, Hearing Officer Marion Oliver wrote that Lembarra engaged in conduct that was “uncourteous, unprofessional and harassing,” which violates the ordinance. She said the determination was made after receiving written and oral testimony from the parties involved, including Taxi Enforcement Officer Frank Noiles.
The penalties won’t take effect for 30 days if Lembarra decides to appeal the decision. If he doesn’t appeal the decision, he will have to surrender his licenses immediately. He won’t be able to reclaim them until he pays the fines.
Haider Altaie, a supervisor and fleet manager at Yellow Cab, told Mainebiz that Lembarra is planning to appeal the decision, and that he contests the harassment allegations raised by Dorcus. He said the company has lost seven drivers because of the public outcry caused by the allegations.
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