Man sentenced to federal prison for cyberstalking gay men in Raleigh-Durham area

RALEIGH, NC (WWAY) — A 40-year-old man has been sentenced to three years in federal prison after pleading guilty to cyberstalking charges stemming from nearly a decade of harassment targeting gay men in the Raleigh-Durham area.

According to federal court documents, David Ryan Winters stalked, harassed and threatened victims both online and in person beginning around 2016.

Prosecutors said Winters became enraged at the gay community in Raleigh-Durham over perceived slights and began targeting individuals by obtaining their personal information and sending threatening messages. Court records state that he showed up at victims’ homes and sent them photographs of their residences.

Authorities said Winters repeatedly threatened to kill specific victims and gay men generally, referencing the Pulse nightclub mass shooting in Florida and stating he wanted to make national headlines.

In one instance, prosecutors said Winters went to a victim’s workplace, shattered a window and threw a metal trashcan onto the victim’s car.

Officials said the harassment campaign caused significant fear, with some victims moving or taking other protective measures.

“We believe in protecting all citizens who deserve to live their lives in peace,” U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle said in a statement. “This antisocial behavior cannot fester without serious attention and prevention.”