Couple Sentenced for Cyberstalking Scheme That Ended in Tragedy
A South Carolina couple who preyed upon a mentally disabled Chick-fil-A worker in a cruel cyberstalking and extortion plot have been handed federal prison sentences. The scheme, which lasted just a few days in September 2024, resulted in the victim, Christopher John Tsoulos, taking his own life after being bombarded with false and threatening messages.
Short Sentences Impaired After Guilty Pleas
Trysten Anthony Cullon, aged 27, received a sentence of three years and five months, while Jade Ashlynn Stone, also 27, was jailed for two years and three months. Both pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit cyberstalking. US District Judge Max O. Cogburn Jr. imposed the sentences, noting the crime was "particularly egregious" due to its fatal outcome. In addition to prison time, the pair must serve three years of supervised release and pay $26,700 in restitution.
Kindness Exploited in Vicious Plot
Christopher Tsoulos, 37, from Charlotte, North Carolina, had intellectual disabilities and worked as a greeter at a local Chick-fil-A. Described by family as a "shining light" with a good nature, his act of lending his mobile phone to Cullon on September 5, 2024, unwittingly triggered the harassment. With the phone unlocked, Cullon gained access to Tsoulos' financial apps and contacts. After failing to transfer money directly, the couple, who prosecutors said were drug addicts seeking funds for their habits, launched a barrage of threatening texts to Tsoulos' family.
The messages falsely accused Tsoulos of being a "pervert" who harassed girls, demanding $300 via Cash App and threatening to "ruin him" by reporting the allegations to his employer if not paid. They also transferred small amounts from his accounts, labeling them as rent or car payments. Tsoulos, who relied heavily on family support and had cognitive abilities around a fourth-grade level, was shown the messages by his family. Despite the accusations being entirely fabricated, he believed them, leading to "substantial emotional distress."
Heartbreaking Outcome in Courtroom
On September 8, 2024, Tsoulos died by suicide from a gunshot wound outside his Charlotte home. His father found his body the next morning. During sentencing, US Attorney Russ Ferguson stated, "This case is heartbreaking. There was not a dry eye in the courtroom." He emphasized that Cullon and Stone "turned to preying on the most vulnerable among us" to fuel their drug addiction. FBI Special Agent Reid Davis added that the couple "intentionally tormented a young man with intellectual disabilities for personal enrichment."
More than 60 friends and family members packed the courtroom, with others waiting outside, showing widespread support for Tsoulos. Both defendants apologized with handwritten statements, but the focus remained on the victim—a man remembered for his kindness and compassion. His mother, Patricia Buckingham, shared that he had been excited about an upcoming trip to Greece and loved interacting with baseball players during spring training, noting his childlike enthusiasm.
Lasting Impact and Family Response
Tsoulos' father, Michael, expressed on Facebook that "justice was somewhat served," thanking the legal team and judge. The obituary for Christopher Tsoulos highlighted his role as a greeter at Chick-fil-A, where he took pride in making customers feel welcome, and his previous work at John's Family Restaurant. His family described him as having a "limitless heart" that created lasting connections with everyone he met.
This tragic case underscores the devastating consequences of cyberstalking and the vulnerability of individuals with disabilities. While the sentences bring some closure, the loss of Christopher Tsoulos remains a poignant reminder of the need for greater protection and awareness in our communities.
