Investigation finds Uber drivers with criminal records

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Four Uber drivers cited at Los Angeles International Airport were convicted of offenses that would make them ineligible for a taxi permit, including child exploitation, identity theft and manslaughter, the Los Angeles Times reports.

The development comes as the Los Angeles City Council is set to vote on whether or not to overturn an earlier ruling by LA World Airport Commission that would allow ridesharing services to pick up at LAX.

City Councilman Paul Koretz said the ridesharing services aren't doing enough to keep the public safe.

"These guys generally try to get around whatever regulations they can," Koretz said.

"Now is time to get them to straighten up a little bit and do proper background checks," Koretz added.

William Rouse, a general manager for Yellow Cab of Los Angeles, says he's not surprised.

"They will not tell you what background checks they are running, so it's no surprise that felons are getting behind the wheel," Rouse said.

Uber says it stands behind its safety screening process.

In a statement the company says, "While no system is a 100 percent, we believe our background checks stack up well against others."

The city council is expected to vote Wednesday on if it will assert jurisdiction over the matter. Ten of 15 councilmembers must approve the action for it to move forward.