Durham Man Sentenced for Cyberstalking Gay Men

David Ryan Winters received 3 years in federal prison for harassing and threatening LGBTQIA+ victims in the Triangle area.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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A 40-year-old Durham man named David Ryan Winters was sentenced to 3 years in federal prison for cyberstalking and harassing gay men in the Raleigh-Durham area over a nearly 10-year period. Winters pleaded guilty to the charges, which included stalking victims online, showing up at their homes, and sending threatening messages.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing issue of anti-LGBTQIA+ hate crimes and the need for stronger protections for vulnerable communities. As the first openly LGBTQIA+ person elected to the Raleigh City Council, one of the victims, Jonathan Lambert-Melton, was specifically targeted because of his gender identity and sexual orientation.

The details

According to court documents, Winters became enraged at the gay community in Raleigh-Durham and began stalking men online and in person starting around 2016. This included showing up at victims' homes, sending them pictures of their residences, finding their personal information, and sending angry threatening messages. At one point, Winters visited a victim's workplace, shattered a window, and threw a trashcan onto their car.

  • Winters' cyberstalking campaign began around 2016.
  • Winters was sentenced on February 24, 2026.

The players

David Ryan Winters

A 40-year-old Durham man who pleaded guilty to cyberstalking and harassing gay men in the Raleigh-Durham area over a nearly 10-year period.

Jonathan Lambert-Melton

The first openly LGBTQIA+ person elected to the Raleigh City Council, who was one of Winters' victims and confirmed he was named in the original indictment.

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What they’re saying

“Obviously, I feel a bit relieved. When someone is aware of where you live and threatening to come to your home ... [and] suggesting I should die ... [it's] a very difficult experience I don't wish upon anybody.”

— Jonathan Lambert-Melton, Raleigh City Council Member (WRAL News)

What’s next

The judge will determine whether Winters will be allowed out on bail while he appeals the sentence.

The takeaway

This case underscores the need for stronger protections and support for LGBTQIA+ individuals, who continue to face harassment, threats, and violence because of their gender identity and sexual orientation. It also highlights the trauma and disruption caused by stalking and cyberstalking crimes.