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Fox 26 reported yesterday that four Houston-area rideshare drivers have been charged in connection with a series of alleged violent sexual assaults, prompting federal authorities to seek additional victims who may not have come forward. According to the FBI in Houston, the men are accused of disguising themselves as rideshare drivers in order to kidnap and sexually assault passengers.
Federal authorities say the suspects are charged with kidnapping victims and exploiting them for the purpose of sexual gratification. The men range in age from their early 30s to late 50s and are from communities including Tomball, Humble, Conroe, and The Woodlands. One suspect remains at large, and investigators are actively working to locate him.
The U.S. Department of Justice reports that in multiple incidents, victims were driven to locations other than their intended destinations or were prevented from exiting the vehicle. In at least one case, a suspect is accused of committing two separate sexual assaults that involved strangulation. Another suspect was arrested in April 2025 following a reported assault involving a woman in The Woodlands.
Authorities say all of the suspects had been active rideshare drivers for years before the alleged assaults occurred. Their driver accounts were reportedly deactivated after the incidents were reported to law enforcement.
At this time, investigators have not released additional details about the individual assault cases. However, federal officials believe there may be more victims who have not yet come forward, which is why the FBI is urging anyone with relevant information to contact authorities.
The news comes as the first federal Uber sexual assault trial began earlier this week in Phoenix.
If you believe you were assaulted by one of these men or by another rideshare driver, investigators ask that you contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or submit a tip online at http://tips.fbi.gov.
The charges stem from Operation Lighthouse, a federal initiative focused on identifying and prosecuting sexual abuse that occurs during rideshare trips. U.S. Attorney Ganjei said, “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.”
Douglas Williams, FBI Houston Special Agent in Charge, emphasized the role survivors played in advancing the investigation, stating, “This case hits home for many of us. I think we’ve all used a rideshare service at one point or another. We’ve trusted rideshare drivers for our safety, and that of our families and friends. Today’s arrests are due in large part to the bravery of the victims who reported their kidnappings and sexual assaults to law enforcement.”
Fox 26 reports that the following drivers have been accused:
- Barney Flores, 35 years old, from Tomball
- Cesar Martell, 32, Humble
- Janake Manatunga, 57, Conroe
- Abdou Mbacke, 42, last known to live in The Woodlands and is wanted by authorities.
Survivors of rideshare sexual assault deserve clear information and safe access to legal support. Learn more about the ongoing litigation and how these cases are being pursued by visiting our Uber sexual assault lawsuit resource page. If you are ready to explore your legal options, you can request a free case review by completing the confidential and secure form below.
