SAN ANTONIO -- A contract driver for VIA Metro Transit has been charged with sexually assaulting a woman with Down syndrome while transporting the alleged victim.

Robert Esparza, 49, has been charged with aggravated sexual assault of a disabled person. Esparza is an employee of a company that provides service for VIA's paratransit service.

The alleged assault occurred on July 28 when Esparza was alone with the woman, according to an arrest affidavit. Esparza kissed and touched the woman, according to the affidavit, but he told investigators the incident was consensual. Esparza is being held in the Bexar County jail in lieu of $75,000 bond.

A VIA spokeswoman said Esparza had been fired following the arrest, according to a report in the San Antonio Express-News.