Feds Indict Houston Area Rideshare Drivers in Kidnapping, Sexual Assault Cases

HOUSTON – Federal prosecutors have returned four separate indictments against Houston-area men accused of kidnapping women while working as rideshare drivers, part of a new Southern District of Texas initiative aimed at combating sexual abuse connected to ridesharing services.

U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei announced the charges this week, identifying Cesar Martell, 32, of Humble; Janaka Manatunga, 57, of Conroe; Barney Steven Flores, 35, of Tomball; and Abdou Mbacke, 42, last known to be living in The Woodlands. Martell and Manatunga are scheduled to make their initial court appearances before a federal magistrate judge, while Flores remains in federal custody. Mbacke is considered a fugitive, and a warrant is outstanding for his arrest.

The cases stem from Operation Lighthouse, a Southern District of Texas initiative that uses federal investigative tools and sentencing statutes to pursue harsher penalties in rideshare-related sexual assault cases. As part of the operation, the following agencies are participating: Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, the FBI, Houston Police Department, and Harris County Sheriff’s Office. Prosecutors allege the defendants abused their positions as drivers to kidnap female passengers and exploit them for sexual purposes.

According to indictments returned Dec. 16, 2025, the men allegedly drove victims to locations other than their requested destinations or prevented them from leaving the vehicles. In some cases, victims reported being sexually assaulted during the incidents. Court records further allege that Martell committed two separate sexual assaults and strangled his victims before or during the attacks.

“Rideshare drivers who exploit the trust of their passengers will face the full force of law in the Southern District of Texas,” said Ganjei. He added that the initiative is intended to deliver meaningful consequences and ensure passengers can safely reach their destinations.

Federal investigators say all four defendants worked for a rideshare company over multiple years and were removed from the platform following victim complaints. Some are also facing related state charges.

Douglas Williams, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Houston, credited the investigation to victim cooperation. “These arrests are due in large part to the bravery of the victims who reported their kidnappings and sexual assaults,” Williams said, encouraging other potential victims to come forward.

If convicted, each defendant faces up to life in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000. Authorities are urging anyone with information about similar assaults or the whereabouts of Mbacke to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI.