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 scheme allegedly targeted a vulnerable victim and his family through threatening text messages. This was announced 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 the announcement.
The indictment claims that between September 5 and September 8, 2024, Cullon and Stone engaged in a conspiracy involving extortive text messages and cyberstalking against 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.
According to the indictment, Cullon and Stone used a stolen phone to send harassing texts to C.T.'s family demanding money. They threatened to disclose derogatory information about C.T., including accusations of inappropriate behavior unless they were paid. Additionally, they allegedly attempted to defraud C.T. by stealing phones and personal items while trying to make transactions using his CashApp and PayPal accounts.
The indictment further alleges that these actions caused significant emotional distress leading C.T. to commit suicide.
Cullon and Stone are charged with conspiracy to commit extortion and wire fraud conspiracy, each carrying a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. They also face charges of conspiracy to commit cyberstalking with a maximum penalty of five years.
These charges remain allegations until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
The FBI conducted the investigation with assistance from the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Caryn Finley is prosecuting the case.