Justice for Rideshare Sexual Assault Victims: MCSO Joins Federal Partners for 'Operation Lighthouse'

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TX -- Today, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office stood alongside our federal and local partners to announce a major breakthrough in protecting our community. Assistant Chief Rick Bass joined U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei, the FBI, Houston Police Department, and Harris County Sheriff's Office to launch Operation Lighthouse.

This multi-agency initiative targets rideshare drivers who exploited their positions of trust to commit acts of sexual assault and kidnapping. These individuals, who were supposed to be a safe resource for our citizens, now face federal kidnapping charges and the possibility of life in federal prison.
A Montgomery County Sheriff's Office case was highlighted today as the suspect, Janaka Manatunga, was taken into custody to face these serious federal charges.

We remain committed to working with our partners across the region to ensure that those who prey on the vulnerable are held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.

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