RALEIGH, NC — A Durham man is facing serious federal charges that could result in up to 63 years in prison if convicted. The U.S. Department of Justice announced Wednesday that 38-year-old David Ryan Winters has been indicted by a grand jury for cyberstalking five victims, allegedly targeting them because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
The indictment, part of the DOJ’s ongoing efforts to combat hate crimes, alleges that Winters engaged in persistent harassment and threats against his victims over several years, starting in 2016 and continuing until 2024.
A Pattern of Harassment
According to court documents, Winters is accused of using text messages as the primary method to communicate with his victims, often sending messages described as “harassing” and “threatening.” In some cases, the messages were sent to individuals who had blocked the victims, amplifying the reach of the alleged intimidation.
The DOJ asserts that Winters’ actions were motivated by prejudice against his victims’ sexual orientation and gender identity, making the case particularly significant as part of broader efforts to address hate-based cybercrimes.
Civil Rights Team Takes Action
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Blondel and is part of the work spearheaded by the Eastern District of North Carolina’s (EDNC) Civil Rights Team. Established in 2022, the team focuses on addressing civil rights violations, including hate crimes and discrimination.
“Every person has an equal right to live, work, worship, and love in America,” said U.S. Attorney Michael F. Easley Jr. “Our office will not tolerate harassment or intimidation based on someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Everyone is treated equally and fairly under the law, and we will not allow violence and intimidation to become normalized.”
A Broader Effort to Combat Hate Crimes
The EDNC Civil Rights Team has been active in prosecuting cases of cyber harassment and hate-motivated crimes, including:
• An Alabama man charged with sexually harassing a North Carolina woman online.
• A California man arrested for making threats against individuals and organizations in North Carolina, including an elected official, law enforcement members, and synagogues.
The team’s work underscores a growing commitment to protecting victims of hate-based violence and ensuring accountability for those who use technology to intimidate others.
Ongoing Investigation
The investigation into Winters’ case is being conducted by the Raleigh and Durham Police Departments, the Wake County Sheriff’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Authorities are urging anyone who believes they have been a victim of cyberstalking to contact their local law enforcement agency or the FBI.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of online harassment and the need for robust legal action to protect vulnerable communities.
For more on this story and ongoing developments, stay connected to the Bull City Citizen.
