A federal grand jury in Charlotte has indicted Trysten Anthony Cullon, 26, and Jade Ashlynn Stone, 25, both from South Carolina. They face charges of conspiracy to commit extortion, cyberstalking, and wire fraud. The charges stem from a scheme targeting a vulnerable victim and his family through threatening text messages. This announcement was made by Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.

Robert M. DeWitt, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Charlotte Division, joined U.S. Attorney King in making the announcement.

The indictment alleges that between September 5 and September 8, 2024, Cullon and Stone conspired to send harassing texts to a victim identified as C.T., who had an intellectual disability classified as Educable Mentally Disabled. C.T., supported by his family due to his condition, worked at a fast-food restaurant chain in Charlotte.

Cullon and Stone allegedly used a stolen phone to demand money from C.T.'s family while threatening to reveal derogatory information about him to his employer unless they were paid. They also attempted fraudulent transfers using C.T.'s CashApp and PayPal accounts.

According to the indictment, these actions caused significant emotional distress leading C.T. to commit suicide.

The defendants are charged with conspiracy to commit extortion and wire fraud conspiracy—each carrying up to 20 years in prison—and conspiracy to commit cyberstalking which carries up to five years in prison.

These charges remain allegations until proven beyond reasonable doubt in court.

The FBI led the investigation with help from the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Caryn Finley is prosecuting the case.