Three Men Charged In Violent Midtown Manhattan Kidnapping

United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jamie McDonald, and Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), James C. Barnacle, Jr., announced today that DANI AMANUEL, KENNY FETIERE, and KIBRET MELES have been charged in connection with their roles in an interstate kidnapping scheme. FETIERE and MELES were arrested this morning and are expected to be presented today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Stewart D. Aaron in Manhattan federal court. AMANUEL remains at large. The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge John G. Koeltl.

“Our Office will work tirelessly to keep New Yorkers safe,” said U.S. Attorney Jamie McDonald. “A victim should not have to fear that a night out will end with him being forced across state lines at the hands of violent kidnappers. As alleged, the defendants carried out a calculated and vicious kidnapping—luring the victim into a waiting car in Manhattan, beating and robbing him as they drove through the Lincoln Tunnel, stealing his property, and abandoning him bloodied in New Jersey. Anyone who attempts to use violence and intimidation to abduct and rob others will face serious federal charges.” 

“Today’s charges reflect the FBI/NYPD Violent Crime Task Force’s unwavering commitment to protecting the public and ensuring violent criminal activity is met with decisive action,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle, Jr. “Working with our partners in the NYPD, the Southern District of New York, and Essex County, we quickly identified and apprehended those allegedly responsible for this terrifying abduction. No one should fear being kidnapped off the streets, and we will continue to prioritize cases that threaten the safety of our communities.”

According to the Indictment and other public filings:(1)

From on or about June 11 through June 12, 2026, AMANUEL, FETIERE, MELES, and others participated in a scheme to kidnap and rob an individual (the “Victim”) in New York, New York. As part of the scheme, the defendants lured the Victim from outside a club in Midtown Manhattan into a car they occupied, under the false pretense that they would give the Victim a ride to his hotel. After the Victim entered the car, the defendants restrained him and transported him from Manhattan, through the Lincoln Tunnel, and into New Jersey. During the abduction, the defendants demanded the Victim’s watch and iPhone and assaulted him by striking him with their hands and a sharp object. The defendants ultimately transported the Victim to West Orange, New Jersey, where they abandoned him. 

The Victim suffered multiple fractures to the bones around his face, a laceration to his finger that required stitches, and bruising. He was hospitalized for three days because of his injuries. An image of the bloodied Victim after the kidnapping is depicted below. His polo shirt was light blue before the attack.

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AMANUEL, 28, of New York, New York, FETIERE, 26, of West Orange, New Jersey, and MELES, 28, of Livingston, New Jersey, are each charged with conspiracy to commit kidnapping and kidnapping, each of which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison. 

The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.

Mr. McDonald thanked the FBI and the Essex County Sheriff’s Office.

This case is being handled by the Office’s Violent Organizations and Crime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jared D. Hoffman and Jorja N. Knauer are in charge of the prosecution.

The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

1. ^

    As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the description of the Indictment set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described therein should be treated as an allegation.