4 days ago
SC duo pleads guilty to cyberstalking that led mentally disabled man to take his own life
CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Two South Carolinians have pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit cyberstalking for a scheme that resulted in someone taking their own life, according to the United States Attorney's Office.
Trysten Anthony Cullon, 26, pleaded guilty to the charges on June 2, and Jade Ashlynn Stone, 25, pleaded guilty on April 10. The duo allegedly targeted a vulnerable victim and his immediate family members using extortive and threatening text messages, officials said.
According to court documents, from 9/5/24-9/8/24, the suspects engaged in a cyberstalking conspiracy that targeted the victim identified as C.T., who reportedly had an intellectual disability and was classified as Educable Mentally Disabled. Due to his disability, C.T. did not live on his own and worked at a fast-food chain in Charlotte.
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Cullon and Stone admitted they used a stolen phone to send C.T.'s family members several intimidating messages demanding money. The conspirators allegedly threatened to send derogatory and embarrassing information to C.T.'s employer unless they were paid, including claims that he was a pervert, harassed girls, and that he paid girls for sexual pictures.
Sadly, the emotional stress caused by the threatening messages led C.T. to take his own life.
In Cullon and Stone's guilty plea to conspiracy to commit cyberstalking, they face a maximum penalty of five years in prison. Both are in custody, and a sentencing date has not yet been set.
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