DeKalb County, Ga. — Authorities are on heightened alert following the escape of three inmates from the DeKalb County Jail, one of whom has a disturbing history of violent crimes, particularly against men from the LGBTQ+ community. Stevenson Charles, 24, has a criminal background that includes a federal hate crimes conviction and multiple assaults involving firearms.
Charles is currently wanted for an array of offenses, including a recent murder charge. He was transferred from federal custody to the county jail just prior to his escape, according to court records. His actions from late 2022 reveal a pattern of aggression that primarily targeted individuals through dating apps, specifically aiming at gay and bisexual men.
In South Florida, Charles pleaded guilty to 17 charges related to violent assaults, acknowledging that he had victimized at least five individuals in a series of incidents late last fall. One such encounter left a man seriously injured after being shot multiple times. During several of the attacks, he brandished a firearm and robbed victims, illustrating the grave danger he poses to the community.
The U.S. Marshals are actively involved in the manhunt for Charles and the other escapees. They have classified him as “extremely dangerous” and have issued a stern warning to him and others who evade the law. “We are seeking you, and we will not rest until you are apprehended,” stated Thomas E. Brown, the U.S. Marshal for the Northern District of Georgia, emphasizing the diligence of law enforcement in the pursuit of fugitives.
The Gwinnett County District Attorney’s Office reported that, in December 2024, Charles received a life sentence stemming from an incident in which he kidnapped and assaulted a man and his husband after they connected on a dating app. During that encounter, he threatened the victims with a weapon and forced them to comply with his demands, including robbing them of their wedding rings.
Records indicate that the November 2022 murder charge that led to his indictment in DeKalb County may have been the reason for his transfer to the county jail. Court documents reveal that he faces additional charges, including aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during a felony, which highlight the severity of his criminal behavior.
As the manhunt continues, communities are urged to remain vigilant. Authorities are working tirelessly to ensure public safety, reiterating that those who choose to break the law will ultimately face consequences for their actions. The search for Stevenson Charles underscores a broader commitment by law enforcement to protect vulnerable populations from predatory behavior.