Georgia Inmate Convicted for Brutal Kidnapping of Rideshare Driver During Escape

Stevenson Charles faces life in prison for multi-state crime spree that terrorized victim

Mar. 13, 2026 at 5:33pm

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A federal jury in Florida has found Stevenson Charles, a 24-year-old inmate, guilty of kidnapping, conspiracy to kidnap, Hobbs Act robbery, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. The charges stem from a violent escape from a Georgia state facility in December 2025, during which Charles and two other inmates forced a rideshare driver into her own car at knifepoint and held her captive for over 18 hours while driving to South Florida.

Why it matters

This case highlights the dangers posed by violent offenders who escape custody and the traumatic impact their actions can have on innocent victims. It also raises questions about security protocols in state and federal detention facilities, as well as the need for stronger measures to prevent and respond to such incidents.

The details

Prosecutors presented evidence showing that after escaping from the Georgia facility, Charles and his co-conspirators, Yusuf Minor and Naod Yohannes, summoned a rideshare vehicle. Once inside, they wrapped a rope around the driver's neck, bound her hands, and forced her into the backseat. The men then drove the stolen vehicle towards South Florida, threatening the victim's life and forcing her to hand over access to her bank accounts. They used her money to fund a spending spree and secure a short-term rental property. When the victim tried to escape, the men physically assaulted her and threatened to kill her.

  • On December 22, 2025, Charles and two other inmates escaped from a Georgia state facility.
  • The kidnapping and multi-state crime spree occurred in the days following the escape.

The players

Stevenson Charles

A 24-year-old inmate who was convicted of kidnapping, conspiracy to kidnap, Hobbs Act robbery, and being a felon in possession of a firearm for his role in the violent escape and multi-state crime spree.

Yusuf Minor

A 31-year-old inmate who escaped from the Georgia state facility with Charles and Yohannes and was involved in the kidnapping of the rideshare driver.

Naod Yohannes

A 25-year-old inmate who escaped from the Georgia state facility with Charles and Minor and was involved in the kidnapping of the rideshare driver.

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What they’re saying

“This defendant's escape from custody triggered a violent chain of events that put an innocent rideshare driver in grave danger. The evidence at trial showed a brutal kidnapping carried out to facilitate his flight from justice.”

— Jason A. Reding Quiñones, U.S. Attorney (tampafp.com)

What’s next

Charles faces a maximum of life in prison for the kidnapping counts and an additional 20 years for the robbery. He may also face a mandatory minimum of 15 years under the Armed Career Criminal Act, a determination the court will make at a later date. His co-conspirators, Yohannes and Minor, are scheduled to begin their own trial on March 30.

The takeaway

This case underscores the urgent need for improved security measures in detention facilities to prevent violent offenders from escaping and terrorizing innocent victims. It also highlights the trauma and lasting impact such crimes can have on victims, emphasizing the importance of robust victim support services and stronger accountability for perpetrators.