South Carolina Couple Receiving Lenient Sentences for Cyberstalking, Extorting Mentally Disabled Chick-fil-A Employee Who Committed Suicide, Families Call Justice 'Catastrophic

A South Carolina couple who exploited a mentally disabled Chick-fil-A worker in a cyberstalking and extortion scheme that led to his suicide have received sentences far below what victims' families described as 'catastrophic.' Trysten Anthony Cullon, 27, was sentenced to 41 months in federal prison while Jade Ashlynn Stone, 27, received 27 months. Both must serve three years of supervised release and pay $26,700 in restitution.

Christopher John Tsoulos, 37, worked as a greeter at Chick-fil-A in Charlotte, North Carolina. He had intellectual disabilities and relied heavily on family support for daily tasks like managing his bank account or understanding financial concepts. His relatives described him as kindhearted, noting that he once lent his phone to Cullon during an encounter at the restaurant.

Court documents reveal the scheme began on September 5, 2024. Tsoulos unlocked his phone and allowed Cullon to use it briefly. The device had no passcode, granting immediate access to financial apps like Cash App, PayPal, and bank accounts. Within hours, Cullon and Stone transferred funds from Tsoulos' accounts under false pretenses, labeling the transactions as 'rent' or 'car payments.'

When attempts to siphon money failed, the couple escalated their tactics. They downloaded Tsoulos' contacts and launched a harassment campaign targeting his family members, including his brother and mother. Messages falsely accused him of being a 'pervert,' claiming he had harassed girls, visited brothels, and paid for explicit photos. One text warned: 'Unless you want me to ruin him and embarrass you I suggest you provide some compensation.'

Tsoulos' family showed him the messages, which were entirely false but convinced him of his guilt. He lived with his father and relied on his mother's help managing money due to his limited ability to comprehend financial concepts or budget. Prosecutors said he was overwhelmed by fear and shame after receiving the threats.

On September 8, Tsoulos died by suicide from a gunshot wound outside his Charlotte home. His father discovered his body the following morning. Judge Max O. Cogburn Jr. called the crime 'particularly egregious,' noting that it resulted in the victim killing himself. The harassment lasted just three days but had irreversible consequences.

Federal officials emphasized that the couple's actions were driven by their drug addiction and deliberate intent to exploit vulnerable individuals. US Attorney Russ Ferguson described the case as heartbreaking, with no dry eye in the courtroom during sentencing. FBI Special Agent Reid Davis called the scheme 'cruel' and noted its impact on Tsoulos' life.

Tsoulos was remembered as a man defined by kindness. His obituary described him as 'a shining light' who welcomed customers at Chick-fil-A with warmth. Before that, he worked at John's Family Restaurant, where he took pride in making people feel welcome. Friends and family packed the courtroom for his sentencing, with over 60 present and others waiting outside.

Michael Tsoulos, Christopher's father, expressed relief after the sentences but acknowledged the lasting trauma. He thanked supporters who filled the courtroom and called justice 'somewhat served.' Prosecutors highlighted that Tsoulos had intellectual disabilities equivalent to a fourth-grade reading level and second-grade math ability. His mother testified he was excited about an upcoming trip to Greece and loved watching spring training baseball.

Both defendants apologized during sentencing, reading handwritten statements while a photograph of Tsoulos sat in front of them. The emotional core of the hearing remained on Christopher himself—a man whose life was marked by kindness, yet shattered by deliberate cruelty.