Story perspectives

Four Ex-Uber Drivers Charged with Kidnapping, Assault

1/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

Four former Uber drivers in Houston—Cesar Martell, Barney Steve Flores, Janaka Manatunga, and Abdou Mbacke—face federal kidnapping charges for allegedly attempting to sexually assault passengers.
Prosecutors say they used their Uber accounts to lure victims.
Mbacke is on the run after allegedly assaulting a 22-year-old woman in December 2023.
Uber terminated the drivers' accounts and says it is cooperating with federal investigations to ensure safety.

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Story summary

Four former Uber drivers in Houston—Cesar Martell, Barney Steve Flores, Janaka Manatunga, and Abdou Mbacke—face federal kidnapping charges for allegedly attempting to sexually assault passengers.
Prosecutors say they used their Uber accounts to lure victims.
Mbacke is on the run after allegedly assaulting a 22-year-old woman in December 2023.
Uber terminated the drivers' accounts and says it is cooperating with federal investigations to ensure safety.