A heartbreaking case in North Carolina has ended with prison sentences for a couple who targeted a man with an intellectual disability in a cruel blackmail scheme.
Authorities say their actions caused severe emotional distress that ultimately led the victim to take his own life. The case has drawn widespread attention because of how the defendants allegedly exploited a vulnerable person for money.
Couple sentenced in federal court
A federal judge in North Carolina sentenced 27-year-old Trysten Anthony Cullon to 41 months in prison and Jade Ashlynn Stone, also 27, to 27 months.
The sentences were handed down by U.S. District Judge Max O. Cogburn Jr. after both defendants pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit cyberstalking.
In addition to prison time, both defendants must serve three years of supervised release after their sentences. They were also ordered to pay $26,699.65 in restitution.
Federal officials said the crime was particularly disturbing because the victim had an intellectual disability and depended heavily on his family.
Victim identified as Christopher Tsoulos
The victim, Christopher John Tsoulos, was a 37-year-old man from Charlotte, North Carolina.
According to prosecutors, Tsoulos worked as a host at a Chick-fil-A restaurant in Charlotte and was known for his friendly personality.
Friends and family described him as someone who cared deeply about others and always tried to make people feel welcome.
His obituary described him as a “shining light” who spread kindness and compassion to everyone he met.
How the scheme began
The harassment campaign started on September 5, 2024.
According to court documents, Cullon approached Tsoulos while he was working at the restaurant and asked to borrow his cellphone.
Tsoulos agreed and allowed him to use the phone.
Instead of simply using it briefly, prosecutors say Cullon used the phone to message Stone and ask her to pick him up immediately.
He then left the restaurant with Tsoulos’ phone and got into a vehicle where Stone was waiting in the parking lot.
Access to the victim’s financial accounts
Because the phone was unlocked, the defendants reportedly gained access to several financial applications on the device.
Investigators said they were able to view payment apps such as Cash App, PayPal, and the victim’s bank account.
Earlier that same day, authorities say the couple had already created a new Gmail account and Cash App account as part of their plan.
They attempted to transfer money from Tsoulos’ accounts but were unsuccessful.
Blackmail threats sent to family
After the failed attempts to move money directly, prosecutors say the pair escalated their actions.
Using the victim’s phone, they began sending threatening messages to his family members and other contacts.
In the messages, they falsely accused Tsoulos of inappropriate behavior and threatened to reveal embarrassing claims to his employer and family.
One message reportedly warned that the sender would ruin the victim’s reputation unless money was paid.
The defendants demanded $300 through Cash App and threatened to spread the allegations if the payment was not made.
Harassment lasted only a few days
Although the harassment campaign lasted only a short time, it had devastating consequences.
Prosecutors said the cyberstalking occurred between September 5 and September 8, 2024.
During those days, Tsoulos reportedly experienced intense emotional distress because of the threats and accusations.
Authorities say the pressure and humiliation caused by the blackmail campaign deeply affected him.
Victim died by suicide
On September 8, Tsoulos died by suicide at his home in Charlotte.
According to investigators, he shot himself on the front steps of the house.
His father discovered his body the next morning.
Federal prosecutors said the harassment campaign directly contributed to the tragic outcome.
Authorities condemn the crime
Law enforcement officials strongly criticised the defendants’ actions during the sentencing announcement.
FBI Special Agent in Charge Reid Davis said the couple intentionally targeted a vulnerable individual for personal financial gain.
He said while nothing can bring the victim back, the prison sentences may bring some sense of justice to his grieving family.
Prosecutors also said the defendants committed the crime in part to support drug addiction.
According to officials, they chose to prey on someone they believed would be easy to manipulate.
Family and friends remember the victim
More than 60 friends and relatives attended the sentencing hearing in federal court.
Many others gathered outside the courtroom in support of the victim’s family.
Those who knew Tsoulos described him as someone who loved helping people.
For years, he worked at his family’s restaurant, where he enjoyed creating a welcoming environment for customers.
Later, he took a job as a host at Chick-fil-A, where coworkers and guests appreciated his warm personality.
Friends say he had a natural ability to make people feel valued and cared for.
