CHARLOTTE NORTH CAROLINA, A couple in North Carolina has been sentenced to federal prison after admitting to targeting a vulnerable man with an intellectual disability in a blackmail and extortion scheme that authorities say contributed to the victim’s death.
U.S. District Judge Max O. Cogburn Jr. sentenced Trysten Anthony Cullon, 27, to 41 months in prison and Jade Ashlynn Stone, 27, to 27 months in prison. Both previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit cyberstalking, according to federal prosecutors.
Prosecutors said the pair carried out a harassment campaign against Christopher John Tsoulos, a 37-year-old Charlotte man who had an intellectual disability and relied heavily on his family for support.
According to federal authorities, the scheme began on Sept. 5, 2024, when Cullon approached Tsoulos while he was working at a Chick-fil-A restaurant in Charlotte.
Court documents state that Tsoulos allowed Cullon to use his cellphone. Shortly afterward, Cullon used the phone to send messages to Stone asking her to pick him up and describing the situation as urgent before leaving the restaurant and returning to the vehicle where she was waiting.
Prosecutors said the two had already created a new email account and a Cash App account earlier that day as part of their plan.
Because the phone was unlocked, investigators said the defendants gained access to financial applications on the device, including payment platforms and the victim’s bank account.
Authorities said the pair attempted to transfer money from Tsoulos’ accounts using applications such as Cash App, PayPal, and his bank account. When those attempts failed, prosecutors said the suspects escalated the situation.
Using the victim’s phone, investigators said the defendants sent threatening messages to Tsoulos’ family members and others, making false allegations and demanding money.
According to court filings, the messages warned that damaging claims would be shared with his employer and others if payment was not made. Prosecutors said the suspects demanded $300 through Cash App.
Federal prosecutors said the harassment campaign lasted only a few days—from Sept. 5 through Sept. 8, 2024—but had severe consequences.
Authorities said Tsoulos died by suicide on Sept. 8 outside his Charlotte home. His father discovered his body the following morning.
Federal officials said the cyberstalking scheme caused significant emotional distress and had devastating effects on the victim’s family.
U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson said the case deeply affected those involved in the legal proceedings.
Federal officials also stated that the defendants exploited a vulnerable victim for financial gain.
In addition to their prison sentences, Cullon and Stone were ordered to serve three years of supervised release and pay $26,699.65 in restitution.
Family members and friends of Tsoulos attended the sentencing hearing to honor his memory.
In an online obituary, loved ones described him as someone who brought compassion and kindness to those around him.
Friends said he spent years helping at his family’s restaurant and later worked as a host at Chick-fil-A, where he was known for warmly welcoming customers and creating a positive experience for others.
The case remains one that federal authorities say highlights the serious consequences of harassment and cyberstalking targeting vulnerable individuals.
