By: Tracie Carter
Federal authorities have charged two Essex County men in connection with the violent kidnapping and robbery of a man who was allegedly abducted outside a Manhattan club and later abandoned injured in West Orange.
According to federal authorities, Kenny Fetiere, 26, of West Orange, and Kibret Meles, 28, of Livingston, were arrested in connection with the alleged interstate kidnapping.
A third defendant, Dani Amanuel, 28, of New York City, remains at large.
The incident allegedly occurred between June 11 and June 12, 2026.
Authorities said the victim was outside a club in Midtown Manhattan when the defendants allegedly offered him a ride back to his hotel. After the victim entered the vehicle, prosecutors said he was restrained and driven through the Lincoln Tunnel into New Jersey.
During the ride, the men allegedly demanded the victim’s Rolex watch, iPhone and iPhone password. Federal court documents allege the victim was struck with the defendants’ hands and a sharp object.
Authorities said the victim was eventually abandoned in West Orange, suffering from multiple facial fractures, bruising and a cut to his finger that required stitches. He was hospitalized for three days.
Additional reports identified the victim as an out-of-town attorney and said the club was Rick’s Cabaret on West 33rd Street in Manhattan.
Fetiere, Meles and Amanuel have each been charged with conspiracy to commit kidnapping and kidnapping.
Each federal charge carries a maximum potential sentence of life in prison, although any sentence would ultimately be determined by a judge.
The investigation involved the FBI, NYPD and Essex County authorities.