A Memphis man, Omar Charleston, 39, has been found guilty by a federal jury on charges of interstate kidnapping, interstate domestic violence, and interstate stalking. The verdict was delivered on Tuesday following a trial that highlighted the events leading to his arrest.
Court documents and trial evidence revealed that Charleston traveled from Memphis to Southaven, Mississippi, in search of his ex-girlfriend, who was staying at a local hotel. Upon locating the victim in the hotel lobby, Charleston assaulted her, forcing her into her car through violence and threats. He then compelled her to drive back to Memphis, where he was ultimately apprehended after a confrontation with law enforcement officials.
U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner emphasized the commitment of his office to prosecuting individuals who exploit their power to harm others. “The jury has spoken, and it will not tolerate the type of harm and abuse that the victim suffered at the hands of the defendant,” he stated.
Robert Eikhoff, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Jackson Field Office, condemned Charleston’s actions, noting the severe trauma inflicted on the victim. Eikhoff praised the collaborative efforts of the FBI, Memphis Police Department, and Southaven Police Department in bringing Charleston to justice.
Charleston is scheduled for sentencing on October 27 in Oxford, where he faces a potential life sentence for the federal kidnapping charge. The investigation was conducted by the FBI in cooperation with the Southaven Police Department, while Assistant U.S. Attorneys Philip Levy and Robert Mims led the prosecution.
