South Carolina Couple Sentenced for Scam That Pushed Disabled Man to Suicide

Trysten Anthony Cullon and Jade Ashlynn Stone stole victim's phone and threatened his family with false claims of sexual abuse.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 7:06pm

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A drug-addicted South Carolina couple has been sentenced to federal prison for a cyberstalking scheme that targeted an intellectually disabled man, Christopher Tsoulos, and ultimately drove him to take his own life. Trysten Anthony Cullon and Jade Ashlynn Stone stole Tsoulos' phone, transferred his money, and threatened his family with fabricated claims that he had sexually abused young girls, leading the 27-year-old victim to die by suicide.

Why it matters

This heartbreaking case highlights the devastating impact that cybercrime and exploitation of the vulnerable can have. The couple's actions, fueled by their own drug addiction, robbed a young man with intellectual disabilities of his life and forever changed his family. It underscores the need for greater protections and support for those with mental disabilities, as well as tougher penalties for those who prey on the most vulnerable members of society.

The details

In September 2024, Cullon and Stone took Tsoulos' phone and transferred his money into their own accounts. They then began contacting his family members and threatening to report him to his employer with fabricated claims that he had been harassing young girls and receiving sexually explicit photos from minors. The couple paid minors to send these false claims, ultimately driving the 27-year-old victim to take his own life.

  • In September 2024, Cullon and Stone took the victim's phone and transferred his money.
  • Cullon and Stone then began contacting the victim's family members with the fabricated claims.

The players

Trysten Anthony Cullon

A 27-year-old South Carolina resident who, along with his girlfriend, targeted an intellectually disabled man in a cyberstalking scheme that led to the victim's suicide.

Jade Ashlynn Stone

A 27-year-old South Carolina resident who, along with her boyfriend, targeted an intellectually disabled man in a cyberstalking scheme that led to the victim's suicide.

Christopher Tsoulos

A 27-year-old intellectually disabled man who lived with his family in the Charlotte, North Carolina area and was the victim of the cyberstalking scheme that ultimately led to his suicide.

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What they’re saying

“The case is heartbreaking. There was not a dry eye in the courtroom at sentencing.”

— Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina

“To fuel their drug addiction, Cullon and Stone turned to preying on the most vulnerable among us.”

— Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina

“This couple intentionally tormented a young man with intellectual disabilities for personal enrichment.”

— Reid Davis, Special Agent in Charge, FBI North Carolina Field Office

What’s next

Cullon and Stone are already behind bars and will be moved to a permanent federal facility to serve out their sentences of 41 and 27 months, respectively, on cyberstalking charges.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the urgent need for greater protections and support for individuals with intellectual disabilities, as well as harsher penalties for those who exploit the most vulnerable members of society. It serves as a sobering reminder of the devastating consequences that can result from cybercrime and the importance of addressing mental health and addiction issues in our communities.