MEMPHIS, TN – A Memphis man is facing multiple felony charges after authorities say he kidnapped a woman and her 1-year-old son, assaulted them, and held them for ransom over a two-day ordeal.
Antonio Stevison, 38, has been charged with two counts of aggravated kidnapping, robbery, child abuse, and domestic assault, among other offenses, according to records from Shelby County court. He remains in custody on $100,000 bond as he awaits his next court appearance set for August 13.
The alleged incident began on Sunday, July 13, when the 24-year-old woman was at her residence with her child. According to a police affidavit, Stevison, described as the woman’s sexual partner, arrived at her home and broke a window to gain entry. The woman told police that Stevison ordered her to gather her son and get into a vehicle.
Investigators believe the woman and her child were taken to a house on the 300 block of George Street in southwest Memphis. A man identified only as “Jet” allegedly drove the woman, while Stevison followed in her vehicle. Once at the residence, Stevison reportedly began repeatedly assaulting the woman, striking her with his fists.
Court documents state that the abuse escalated throughout the night. The suspect allegedly forced his victim to create explicit photos and videos and required her to record statements saying she was not being held against her will. Authorities further allege that Stevison coerced the woman to physically discipline her young son, and when she refused to be severe, he struck her with a broom.
The woman told police that each attempt to flee was met with more violence. Both she and her son were kept in a locked house overnight, during which time, according to the affidavit, Stevison and the man known as Jet were seen using cocaine.
By the following morning, Stevison reportedly forced the mother to leave her child alone on the porch for several hours, exposing the toddler to further risk. Desperate to escape, the woman offered Stevison $7,500 in cash if he would let them go. The affidavit says Stevison agreed to release them in exchange for the money.
With her son still in Stevison’s custody, the woman was driven to a nearby bank by Jet and withdrew $6,800 in cash, which she then gave to Stevison. After receiving the money, Stevison released both the woman and her son.
Later that day, the woman contacted Memphis police to report the ordeal. Officers observed visible injuries on both the mother and her child. The woman had bruises and an abrasion under her chin, while her son was found to have minor abrasions and redness on his body.
Stevison was taken into custody after being stopped by police. When questioned, he denied having had any contact with women over the weekend and claimed his car was not drivable, though he acknowledged visiting his uncle near the area where the incident occurred.
Investigators noted the woman positively identified Stevison as her attacker. According to court filings, Stevison has an extensive criminal history, including 25 prior failures to appear in court.
Questions remain regarding the involvement of Jet, whose current status is unclear. Authorities have not confirmed whether he faces any charges in connection with the incident.
The Memphis Police Department continues to investigate the case.