A new Southern District of Texas initiative has resulted in the return of four separate indictments against Houston-area men for kidnapping women while working as rideshare drivers, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Cesar Martell, 32, Humble, and Janaka Manatunga, 57, Conroe, are set to make their initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christina Bryan at 2 p.m. Authorities previously arrested Barney Steven Flores, 35, Tomball, who remains in federal custody.
Also charged is Abdou Mbacke, 42, who last resided in The Woodlands. He is a fugitive, and a warrant remains outstanding for his arrest.
These charges are the result of Operation Lighthouse, a Southern District of Texas initiative to combat sexual abuse involving ridesharing applications. The initiative leverages federal resources and sentencing laws to secure more meaningful penalties, bring justice to victims and ultimately promote a greater sense of safety within the community.
“Rideshare drivers who exploit the trust of their passengers will face the full force of law in the Southern District of Texas,” said U.S. Attorney Ganjei. “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.”
“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,” said FBI Houston Special Agent in Charge Douglas Williams. “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 the indictments returned Dec. 16, 2025, Martell, Manatunga, Flores and Mbacke are charged with kidnapping victims and exploiting them for the purpose of sexual gratification. The charges also allege the defendants either drove their victims to locations other than what they had requested or prevented them from leaving the drivers’ vehicles.
In the case of Cesar Martell, he is alleged to have committed two separate sexual assaults while employed as a rideshare driver. Martell allegedly strangled his victims either before or during the sexual assaults.
Court records indicate all four men previously worked for a rideshare company over multiple years. However, the company allegedly terminated their accounts following victim reports. Some of the defendants are also facing state charges.
If convicted, each faces up to life in prison as well as a $250,000 maximum possible fine.
If you believe you are a victim of a similar sexual assault involving any rideshare service or if you have any information regarding the whereabouts of Mbacke, contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI.
FBI conducted the investigation with the assistance of Houston Police Department and sheriff’s offices in Montgomery and Harris Counties. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren M. Valenti is prosecuting the case.