Woman Sentenced for Kidnapping and Armed Robbery
Cierra Charity Lee received 8.5 years in prison for her role in luring two women to a Southeast Washington residence.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Sex Crimes
A federal judge sentenced 21-year-old Cierra Charity Lee to 102 months in prison for kidnapping and armed robbery. The case stemmed from an October 2025 plot intended to prevent a victim from testifying in a separate rape case against Kayvon Edwards.
Why it matters
The attack was orchestrated to intimidate a witness in a serious criminal proceeding, highlighting the risks posed by attempts to obstruct justice. Prosecutors had requested a 14-year sentence, but the court ultimately ordered the 8.5-year term followed by five years of supervised release.
Cierra Charity Lee received a 102-month prison sentence and five years of supervised release. Her co-defendants, Kayvon Edwards and Robynn Danielle Bynum, have also pleaded guilty and await further proceedings.
The players
Cierra Charity Lee
She is a 21-year-old defendant who pleaded guilty to kidnapping and armed robbery.
Kayvon Edwards
The 22-year-old defendant is awaiting sentencing after allegedly directing the attack from a jail in Prince George's County.
Robynn Danielle Bynum
The 19-year-old defendant has pleaded guilty to kidnapping and armed robbery and is awaiting sentencing.
The details
Lee lured two women to a residence in Southeast Washington under the pretense of a babysitting job, where they were bound with duct tape and had their belongings seized. During the encounter, Bynum stabbed one victim and injured the other before the perpetrators attempted to transport them in a vehicle that was later abandoned in the 3200 block of M Street.
Timeline
October 20, 2025: The kidnapping and assault occurred in Southeast Washington.
April 30, 2026: Cierra Charity Lee entered a guilty plea for her involvement.
October 7, 2026: News of the sentencing was publicly released.
January 21, 2027: Robynn Danielle Bynum is scheduled for sentencing.
Legal Context
This case follows a pattern set by established federal statutes regarding the enhanced prosecution of crimes intended to obstruct ongoing legal cases. It reflects the judiciary's approach to dealing with coordinated efforts to silence witnesses through violence.
The discovery of the abandoned vehicle and the violent nature of the attack prompted significant police activity in the 3200 block of M Street. Residents and local businesses should remain aware that these proceedings are part of an ongoing effort to address high-stakes criminal intimidation in the area.
The takeaway
This case serves as a reminder of the severe legal consequences for individuals who attempt to interfere with the judicial process. Individuals are encouraged to report any instances of witness tampering or intimidation to local authorities immediately.
What happens next
Robynn Danielle Bynum is scheduled to appear in court for her sentencing hearing on January 21, 2027.
Further reading
For more information on legal proceedings involving violent offenses, visit Sex Crimes.
