Federal authorities in the Southern District of Texas have announced four indictments against Houston-area men accused of kidnapping women while working as rideshare drivers. The charges are part of Operation Lighthouse, a new initiative aimed at addressing sexual abuse involving ridesharing applications.
U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei stated, “Rideshare drivers who exploit the trust of their passengers will face the full force of law in the Southern District of Texas. Operation Lighthouse is sending an unmistakably clear message–if you abuse your position to hurt others, we will find you, we will arrest you, we will prosecute you. Every passenger deserves to arrive at their destination safely; my office will fight to make that happen.”
The individuals charged include Cesar Martell, 32, from Humble; Janaka Manatunga, 57, from Conroe; Barney Steven Flores, 35, from Tomball; and Abdou Mbacke, 42, formerly residing in The Woodlands. Martell and Manatunga are scheduled for initial court appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christina Bryan. Flores remains in federal custody following his earlier arrest. Mbacke is currently a fugitive with an outstanding warrant for his arrest.
FBI Houston Special Agent in Charge Douglas Williams commented on the arrests: “Cesar Martell, Barney Steve Flores, Janaka Manatunga, and Abdou Mbacke allegedly disguised themselves as trusted rideshare drivers to commit some of the most traumatic and violent crimes against female passengers. Today’s arrests are due in large part to the bravery of the victims who reported their kidnappings and sexual assaults to law enforcement. We encourage other potential victims of these men, or any other predators posing as rideshare drivers, to come forward and report it to the FBI.”
According to indictments returned on December 16, 2025, all four men are accused of kidnapping victims and exploiting them for sexual gratification by either driving them to unintended locations or preventing them from leaving their vehicles. In particular, Martell is alleged to have committed two separate sexual assaults while employed as a rideshare driver and reportedly strangled his victims during or prior to those assaults.
Court records show that each defendant previously worked for a rideshare company over several years but had their accounts terminated after victim reports surfaced. Some defendants also face state charges related to these incidents.
If convicted on federal charges, each man could face up to life imprisonment and a maximum fine of $250,000.
Authorities urge anyone who believes they may be a victim of similar crimes involving rideshare services or has information about Mbacke’s whereabouts to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI.
It is important to note that an indictment is not evidence of guilt; all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty through due process.
