Trysten Anthony Cullon, 26, from South Carolina, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit cyberstalking. The plea was entered before U.S. Magistrate Judge Susan C. Rodriguez in Charlotte, North Carolina. This development follows the earlier guilty plea by Jade Ashlynn Stone, 25, also from South Carolina, on April 10, 2025.
The announcement was made by Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina, with James C. Barnacle, Jr., Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Charlotte Division.
Court documents reveal that between September 5 and September 8, 2024, Cullon and Stone engaged in a cyberstalking scheme targeting a victim identified as C.T., who had an intellectual disability classified as Educable Mentally Disabled. C.T., who worked at a fast-food restaurant chain in Charlotte and lived with family support due to his disability, became the focus of their extortion.
Cullon and Stone admitted to using a stolen phone to send harassing text messages to C.T.'s family members. These messages demanded money and threatened to disclose damaging information about C.T. unless they were paid. Claims included accusations that C.T. was a pervert and that he harassed girls or paid for sexual pictures. The emotional distress caused by these threats led to C.T.'s suicide.
Both defendants face up to five years in prison for their actions and remain in custody awaiting sentencing.
U.S. Attorney Ferguson expressed gratitude towards the FBI for its investigation and acknowledged the substantial assistance provided by the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Caryn Finley is prosecuting the case.
