A Southern District of Texas initiative has resulted in the return of four separate indictments against Houston-area men for kidnapping women while working as rideshare drivers, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Three are in federal custody while one remains a fugitive.

These charges, according to a Department of Justice announcement, are the result of Operation Lighthouse, a Southern District of Texas initiative to combat sexual abuse involving ridesharing applications. The initiative leverages federal resources and sentencing laws to secure more meaningful penalties, bring justice to victims and ultimately promote a greater sense of safety within the community.

Uber terminated each driver’s account after the victims reported the incidents to the company.

Ganjei said: “Rideshare drivers who exploit the trust of their passengers will face the full force of law in the Southern District of Texas.” Operation Lighthouse, he said, “is sending an unmistakably clear message — if you abuse your position to hurt others, we will find you, we will arrest you, we will prosecute you.” Every passenger “deserves to arrive at their destination safely; my office will fight to make that happen.”

FBI Houston Special Agent in Charge Douglas Williams said the arrests are due in large part to the bravery of the victims who reported their kidnappings and sexual assaults to law enforcement.

According to the indictments, the drivers are charged with kidnapping victims and exploiting them for the purpose of sexual gratification. The charges also allege the defendants either drove their victims to locations other than what they had requested or prevented them from leaving the drivers’ vehicles.

If convicted, each faces up to life in prison as well as a $250,000 maximum possible fine.