CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Two South Carolina residents have pleaded guilty to federal charges in connection with a cyberstalking scheme that led to the suicide of a vulnerable Charlotte man, federal prosecutors announced Monday.
Trysten Anthony Cullon, 26, appeared in federal court in Charlotte and entered a guilty plea to conspiracy to commit cyberstalking. His co-defendant, Jade Ashlynn Stone, 25, pleaded guilty to the same charge on April 10.
According to court records and statements, Cullon and Stone engaged in a targeted cyberstalking campaign between September 5 and September 8, 2024, against a victim identified in court documents as C.T. The victim, who had an intellectual disability and was classified as Educable Mentally Disabled, lived with support from his family and worked at a fast-food restaurant in Charlotte.
The defendants admitted to using a stolen phone to send threatening and extortive text messages to C.T.’s family. The messages included demands for money and threats to send false, damaging claims to C.T.’s employer, including accusations of inappropriate behavior. Authorities say the harassment caused significant emotional distress, ultimately leading to C.T.’s suicide.
Cullon and Stone each face a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison. Both defendants remain in custody. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.
The case was investigated by the FBI Charlotte Division with assistance from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Caryn Finley is prosecuting the case.
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