An Amazon delivery driver has been accused of sexually assaulting a teenage girl and a woman while on the job in Los Angeles and Glendale, California. Fernando Barreto-Hernandez, 24, was arrested on January 24 for allegedly assaulting a minor in Los Angeles in December 2024. Just three days before his arrest, he was accused of sexually assaulting a woman in Glendale while also working as a delivery driver. Barreto-Hernandez, who has worked for Amazon, Amazon Flex, and FedEx, appeared in court on February 21 for the first alleged assault and was later taken into custody for the second incident. He faces a combination of felony and misdemeanor charges, including lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14 and touching a person against their will for sexual arousal. Barreto-Hernandez pleaded not guilty and is currently out on bond. Authorities are urging the public to contact the police department with any information related to the case, as they believe there may be additional victims.
In a separate incident, another Amazon delivery driver, London Best, 24, of Canton, Georgia, has been charged with vehicular homicide and hit-and-run resulting in death after allegedly striking and killing a 79-year-old woman, Sandra Fitts, while delivering packages in November 2024. According to police, Best was traveling west on Cumming Highway when he hit Fitts, who was crossing the street after visiting a loved one’s gravesite. Instead of stopping to assist, Best allegedly fled the scene and continued delivering packages in the area. Evidence found at the scene, including damage to the Amazon delivery truck, led police to Best, who was arrested and charged. During the investigation, officers found drugs, including marijuana and THC wax, inside the vehicle, though it is unclear if Best was under the influence at the time of the crash.
Both incidents have raised serious concerns about the behavior of delivery drivers and the potential risks associated with their jobs. Barreto-Hernandez’s alleged assaults occurred while he was working, highlighting the vulnerability of both customers and the public when interacting with delivery personnel. Similarly, Best’s actions, if proven true, demonstrate a shocking disregard for human life and the consequences of his actions. Both cases underscore the need for stricter screening processes, better oversight, and accountability measures for delivery drivers, who often have significant interaction with the public while on the job.
The allegations against Barreto-Hernandez are particularly disturbing due to the nature of the crimes and the fact that they allegedly occurred while he was working as a delivery driver. The first assault allegedly took place in December 2024, and the second occurred just days before his arrest in January. The fact that Barreto-Hernandez was able to continue working as a delivery driver despite the first allegation raises questions about the vetting processes in place for drivers hired by companies like Amazon, Amazon Flex, and FedEx. Authorities have urged anyone with information about Barreto-Hernandez or potential additional victims to come forward, emphasizing the importance of public cooperation in ensuring justice is served.
In the case of London Best, the incident has left the community in shock, particularly given the tragic loss of Sandra Fitts, who was simply crossing the street. The fact that Best allegedly continued delivering packages after the crash adds to the outrage, as it suggests a callous disregard for the harm he had caused. The discovery of drugs in the vehicle further complicates the case, raising questions about whether substance use may have contributed to the crash. While Best has been charged, the case serves as a grim reminder of the potential dangers of reckless behavior on the road and the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions.
These incidents also highlight the broader issue of accountability within the delivery industry. Delivery drivers, particularly those working for companies like Amazon, often operate with a significant amount of autonomy, which can make it difficult to monitor their behavior while on the job. While most drivers are law-abiding and professional, cases like these demonstrate the need for companies to implement stronger measures to ensure the safety and security of both customers and the public. This includes thorough background checks, ongoing monitoring, and clear protocols for reporting and addressing potential misconduct.
In response to these incidents, authorities have taken swift action to hold the accused drivers accountable. Barreto-Hernandez and Best both face serious charges, and their cases will be handled through the criminal justice system. However, these incidents also serve as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and awareness within the community. By encouraging the public to report any suspicious behavior or information related to these cases, authorities can work towards ensuring that justice is served and that similar incidents are prevented in the future. Both cases underscore the need for greater accountability and oversight within the delivery industry to protect both customers and the public at large.
