DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — A 24-year-old inmate with a history of violent offenses, including a federal hate crime conviction, is one of three individuals who escaped from the DeKalb County Jail on Monday morning. Stevenson Charles has been linked to multiple violent assaults, particularly targeting gay men, raising considerable concern among law enforcement and community members.
Charles previously pleaded guilty to both federal and state charges following a series of violent attacks in late 2022. His record includes an indictment for a murder that occurred in November 2022, leading to his transfer from federal custody to the DeKalb County facility earlier this month.
In the wake of his escape, U.S. Marshals have joined the manhunt, classifying Charles as “extremely dangerous.” “We will find you, and you will answer for your actions,” declared Thomas E. Brown, U.S. Marshal for the Northern District of Georgia, sending a clear warning to fugitives seeking to evade justice.
According to a 2023 release from the Department of Justice, Charles had pleaded guilty to 17 counts of violence in Florida, where he reportedly targeted men through the dating app Grindr. His criminal activities included armed robbery and the shooting of one victim, among other assaults, which he committed over several weeks.
Details from court documents reveal a particularly disturbing pattern of behavior, including instances where he physically assaulted victims with a firearm, adding to the hate crime charges against him. In a December 2024 press release, the Gwinnett County District Attorney’s Office outlined further heinous acts, where Charles was implicated in a violent home invasion after luring victims through the dating app Scruff.
One harrowing account noted that he forced sexual acts at gunpoint before robbing victims of their belongings, including wedding rings. This incident led to a life sentence for Charles, with the district attorney emphasizing the need for justice for those he targeted.
His recent indictment for murder in DeKalb County underscores the severity of his offenses and the threat he poses to the community. The indictment outlines additional charges, including aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during a felony, although specifics of the murder charge remain scant.
The involvement of federal and local law enforcement highlights the urgency of apprehending Charles and his accomplices. The implications of his actions extend beyond his victims, resonating within the broader community and emphasizing the need for vigilance in the face of criminal behavior targeting vulnerable populations. With the stakes high, authorities remain committed to ensuring that those who disrupt public safety are brought to justice.