Lawyer Abducted, Beaten and Robbed by Four Thieves After Exiting a New York Strip Club

A lawyer visiting New York for work was allegedly abducted outside a Manhattan strip club, beaten and robbed before being driven across state lines and abandoned in New Jersey, according to federal prosecutors.

Dani Amanuel, 28, Kenny Fetiere, 26, and Kibret Meles, 28, have been charged with conspiracy to commit kidnapping and kidnapping over the alleged 12 June attack. Fetiere and Meles were arrested on Tuesday (22 September), while Amanuel remained at large. The charges carry a maximum sentence of life in prison.

The victim, who has not been publicly identified, was allegedly lured into a car outside Rick's Cabaret on West 33rd Street shortly before 4am. Prosecutors said he had been drinking and was promised a lift back to his hotel.

Instead, investigators allege that the men restrained and assaulted him before driving through the Lincoln Tunnel into New Jersey.

US Attorney Jamie McDonald described the alleged kidnapping as a 'calculated and vicious' attack.

Victim Found Bloodied in New Jersey

According to court documents, the victim had met Amanuel and another man earlier that night at the Moxy hotel in Times Square, where he was having dinner and drinks. At about 12:30am, the men travelled by taxi to the strip club.

Prosecutors said the lawyer later separated from the group and went into a VIP room with a dancer. When he left at approximately 3:56am, he was allegedly 'visibly intoxicated'.

The indictment alleges that he was persuaded to enter a Hyundai under the false promise of a ride to his hotel. During the journey, the attackers allegedly demanded his Rolex watch, iPhone and phone password.

He was also allegedly struck with a sharp object and punched repeatedly. Prosecutors said he was eventually abandoned in West Orange, New Jersey.

A passing cyclist found him at around 5:30am and contacted police. His light blue polo shirt was reportedly covered in blood.

The victim suffered multiple fractures to the bones around his eyes, a finger laceration requiring stitches and extensive bruising. He spent three days in hospital, according to prosecutors.

Three Men Face Federal Charges

Federal authorities became involved because the alleged kidnapping involved interstate travel from New York into New Jersey. The indictment says the defendants transported the victim through the Lincoln Tunnel before leaving him in West Orange.

'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,' McDonald said.

FBI Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle Jr said authorities had worked with the NYPD and Essex County authorities to identify those allegedly involved.

'No one should fear being kidnapped off the streets, and we will continue to prioritise cases that threaten the safety of our communities,' Barnacle said.

Prosecutors said Fetiere and Meles had previously been arrested near Seattle in August over an unrelated alleged robbery involving an iPhone. Fetiere was also arrested in New Jersey in November 2025 in connection with an alleged drink-driving incident that injured two people.

The latest charges remain allegations. All three defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.