Lawyer Visiting New York for Work Allegedly Kidnapped After Night Out and Abandoned Across State Lines
The victim was left bloodied, battered and bruised near a nature preserve in West Orange, New Jersey, prosecutors say.United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York
A work trip to New York City allegedly turned into a terrifying interstate kidnapping after an intoxicated lawyer accepted what he believed was a ride back to his hotel — only to be found injured beside a New Jersey nature preserve less than two hours later.
Federal prosecutors say Dani Amanuel, 28, Kibret Meles, 28, and Kenny Fetiere, 26, were part of a four-man group accused of abducting the unidentified attorney early on June 12, stealing his Rolex and iPhone and assaulting him while driving him out of Manhattan.
A fourth alleged participant is now cooperating with federal authorities.
A Chance Meeting Hours Before the Alleged Kidnapping
According to prosecutors, the night began at the Moxy hotel in Times Square, where the attorney was having dinner and drinks.
There, he encountered Amanuel and the man who would later become a government cooperator. At approximately 12:30 a.m., the three traveled by taxi to Rick’s Cabaret on West 33rd Street.
At some point inside the club, the attorney separated from the men and went into a VIP room with a dancer.
Hours later, at approximately 3:56 a.m., prosecutors say he emerged visibly intoxicated.
That was when the night allegedly took a dramatic turn.
A Ride Back to the Hotel Allegedly Became an Abduction
The alleged abduction unfolded outside Rick’s Cabaret on W. 33rd Street, according to law enforcement sources.Angel Chevrestt
The cooperating man allegedly approached the attorney outside and offered him a ride back to his hotel.
Instead, prosecutors say the lawyer was led into a waiting Hyundai Sonata occupied by the group.
Once inside, the men allegedly attacked him and took his Rolex and iPhone. The victim later told authorities he believed he had also been struck or stabbed with a machete-like weapon during the journey.
The Hyundai then traveled through the Lincoln Tunnel, carrying the lawyer from New York into New Jersey.
Prosecutors allege the group threatened to kill him unless he provided the password to his iPhone.
Cyclist Makes Early-Morning Discovery
Amanuel on the night of the attack, according to prosecutors.
The attorney was eventually abandoned near a nature preserve in West Orange, New Jersey, according to federal authorities.
At around 5:30 a.m., a passing cyclist spotted him and contacted police.
The lawyer was taken to a hospital, where he remained for three days. Prosecutors said his injuries included multiple broken bones around his eyes, bruising and a cut to his finger that required stitches.
Two Arrested, One Remains At Large
Fetiere, of West Orange, and Meles, of Livingston, New Jersey, were arrested Tuesday and were due to appear in Manhattan federal court.
Amanuel, who lives in Manhattan, remained at large as of Tuesday afternoon.
All three have been charged with kidnapping and conspiracy to commit kidnapping. Each charge carries a potential maximum sentence of life imprisonment. The allegations have not been proven at trial, and prosecutors are seeking to have the defendants detained while the case proceeds.
Federal authorities said the interstate journey gave them jurisdiction over the case, which was investigated with assistance from the FBI, NYPD and Essex County Sheriff’s Office.
What prosecutors describe as an offer of a simple ride back to a hotel has now become a federal kidnapping case spanning two states — with one alleged participant cooperating and another suspect still being sought.