A man from North Carolina has been sentenced to 44 months in prison for cyberstalking gay men, marking a significant legal response to a series of targeted threats. Andrew Winters pleaded guilty in September 2025 to charges that included threats against specific individuals based on their sexual orientation and gender identity. On February 24, 2025, Chief Judge Richard E. Myers II imposed the sentence, with all counts running concurrently, followed by three years of supervised release and a $500 special assessment.
Prosecutors revealed that Winters’ actions included direct threats to kill certain victims, as well as general threats against the LGBTQ+ community. According to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Winters expressed a desire to make national headlines, invoking the horrific Pulse nightclub massacre in Orlando as part of his rationale. His behavior escalated to physical confrontations, including a visit to a victim’s workplace where he shattered a window and threw a metal trash can at a parked car.
The impact of Winters’ actions extended beyond legal ramifications, forcing several victims to relocate or adopt protective measures due to the fear he instilled. U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle emphasized the importance of protecting all citizens, stating, “This antisocial behavior cannot fester without serious attention and prevention.” He commended the efforts of law enforcement in bringing Winters to justice.
As part of the sentencing, Judge Myers recommended that Winters undergo evaluations for physical and mental health, advocating for his placement in a federal facility equipped to address such needs. Additionally, he encouraged the provision of vocational training and educational opportunities during Winters’ incarceration.
In a significant personal account, Jonathan Lambert-Melton, a Raleigh City Councilman and one of the victims, spoke out about the ordeal. In a February 2024 interview with NBC affiliate WRAL, he shared that he was one of five victims who faced harassment from Winters. Lambert-Melton delivered a victim impact statement at the federal courthouse in Wilmington, describing the experience as one of the toughest periods in his life. He expressed gratitude for the support he received from the community in securing a just outcome.
“This chapter has been one of the hardest in my life,” Lambert-Melton wrote in a Facebook post, reflecting on the emotional toll of being targeted.
The case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community in terms of safety and acceptance. Legal actions like this serve as a reminder of the need for vigilance against hate-driven behavior and the importance of community support in overcoming such trials.
