CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Two South Carolina residents have pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit cyberstalking in connection with a disturbing scheme that targeted a vulnerable individual with threatening and extortive messages, ultimately contributing to the victim’s tragic suicide.
Trysten Anthony Cullon, 26, entered his guilty plea today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Susan C. Rodriguez in the Western District of North Carolina. His co-conspirator, Jade Ashlynn Stone, 25, previously pleaded guilty to the same charge on April 10, 2025.
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson and James C. Barnacle, Jr., Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Charlotte Division.
The Case
According to court documents, plea agreements, and statements made in court, the cyberstalking conspiracy took place over a span of four days, from September 5 to September 8, 2024. The defendants targeted a victim identified as C.T., a young man with an intellectual disability who required significant support from his family and was employed at a fast-food restaurant in Charlotte.
Cullon and Stone admitted to using a stolen cellphone to send C.T.’s family members a series of harassing and threatening text messages, demanding money in exchange for silence. The messages included false and salacious accusations about C.T., including claims of inappropriate behavior toward women and the purchase of explicit images. The defendants threatened to send these defamatory claims to C.T.’s employer if their demands were not met.
As a result of the emotional distress caused by this extortion, C.T. died by suicide shortly thereafter.
Charges and Penalties
Both defendants pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit cyberstalking, a federal offense carrying a maximum sentence of five years in prison. Cullon and Stone are currently in federal custody. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.
Official Statement
“This case is a heartbreaking reminder of the devastating consequences of cyber harassment and online exploitation,” said U.S. Attorney Ferguson. “Those who prey on vulnerable individuals through fear, threats, and lies will be held accountable.”
Ferguson also thanked the FBI Charlotte Division for leading the investigation and recognized the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department for its crucial support.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Caryn Finley of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte.
