A Durham man has been charged with federal crimes for cyberstalking and issuing threats against five gay men, including Raleigh City Councilmember Jonathan Lambert-Melton, who has been the target of these attacks since joining the council in 2019.
David Winters, 44, is accused of using social media platforms to harass and intimidate individuals over the course of several years, with threats escalating in severity. Federal authorities allege that Winters targeted his victims because of their sexual orientation, gender identity, and perceived gender, making these acts of harassment both personal and politically charged.
Lambert-Melton, a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and progressive causes, has been on the receiving end of Winters’ menacing behavior for years. In an exclusive interview with WRAL News, Lambert-Melton expressed a mix of relief and deep concern after Winters’ arrest, saying, “Obviously, I feel a bit relieved.” He explained that he has faced a continuous stream of cyberstalking attempts, some of which included death threats and disturbing messages about his personal life.
“I have probably pages of accounts that I’ve blocked that are him,” Lambert-Melton said, noting how Winters would simply create new profiles to continue the harassment. “He just makes new ones.”
While the councilmember is no stranger to online trolling and homophobic comments, the nature of the threats he faced from Winters was different.
“When someone is aware of where you live and threatening to come to your home… suggesting I should die… it’s really difficult,” Lambert-Melton shared. “A very difficult experience I don’t wish upon anybody.”
Federal court documents do not name the victims in full, only listing their initials. However, Lambert-Melton confirmed that he is one of the individuals named in the indictment. Investigators have linked the threats to Winters’ ongoing obsession with the victims’ identities and sexuality.
At-Large, Mayor Pro Tem
Despite the severity of the threats, Lambert-Melton has shown remarkable empathy toward Winters, emphasizing the need for accountability while also hoping the judicial process will offer the man help.
“I want him to be held accountable, but part of that process includes help for him,” Lambert-Melton said.
A court appearance for Winters is scheduled for Monday, and Lambert-Melton plans to be present to deliver a victim impact statement.
