Charlotte, North Carolina, October 17, 2025
News Summary
Dylan Lineberger, a former Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officer, has pleaded guilty to misdemeanor first-degree harassment, resulting in a sentence of time served and a permanent restraining order. Despite his guilty plea, he avoided jail time due to credit for wearing a GPS monitor since his arrest. Lineberger’s conduct included sending unwanted communications and threatening the victim’s current boyfriend, raising concerns about police accountability and ongoing investigations into his behavior while employed as an officer.
Charlotte, North Carolina – Dylan Lineberger, a 33-year-old former Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officer, has pleaded guilty to misdemeanor first-degree harassment in York County criminal court and has avoided jail time despite being charged with gun possession. Lineberger was sentenced to time served, and a permanent restraining order has been issued against him.
Visiting Judge Keith Kelly suspended a potential maximum three-year prison sentence, granting Lineberger 355 days credit for wearing a GPS monitor, which he has done for nearly a year since his arrest by Rock Hill police in late October 2024. Following his arrest, Lineberger was placed on administrative leave and subsequently resigned from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) in April 2025 after working there for nine years.
The victim of Lineberger’s harassment, whose identity remains confidential for safety reasons, was present in court but chose not to speak. The harassment reportedly began after the couple’s breakup in September 2024 and escalated in both North Carolina and Rock Hill, South Carolina.
Lineberger’s harassing conduct included sending unwanted texts, making persistent phone calls, and sending gifts to the victim. He was also accused of vandalizing the victim’s vehicle in October 2024 and making a threatening text to her current boyfriend, stating he would kill him if he encountered him and force the victim to watch. At the time of these incidents, Lineberger had access to his police-issued gun and owned over 30 firearms.
Lineberger tracked the victim using a rented car and contacted her multiple times while using a phone app to block his number. His arrest took place in Lincoln County, North Carolina, where he was later extradited to South Carolina.
After posting a $10,000 bail, Lineberger took on a maintenance job and had no prior criminal record. In parallel with the criminal case, a civil lawsuit filed by the victim regarding stalking is still ongoing. This civil suit alleges that Lineberger attempted to hack the victim’s email and engaged in dangerous surveillance of her. The victim is seeking punitive and compensatory damages for intentional emotional distress as part of this civil action.
The CMPD is currently investigating Lineberger’s conduct related to his arrest and the allegations of misconduct associated with his behavior during and after his tenure as an officer.
Key Facts Summary
- Dylan Lineberger pleaded guilty to misdemeanor first-degree harassment.
- He faced a maximum sentence of three years but received time served.
- A permanent restraining order was issued against him.
- Lineberger had previously worked for the CMPD for nine years before his arrest.
- The victim’s identity is withheld for safety reasons.
- A civil lawsuit regarding stalking remains ongoing.
- Lineberger is also under investigation by the CMPD for his conduct during his employment.
Ongoing Investigations
The events surrounding Lineberger’s case have captured public attention and raised concerns regarding police conduct. The CMPD’s internal investigation aims to address any allegations related to Lineberger’s behavior prior to and after his departure from the department.
Conclusion
The legal ramifications for Lineberger continue to unfold, with both the criminal case concluding and a separate civil lawsuit still in progress. The implications of harassment cases involving former law enforcement officers are significant, prompting discussions about appropriate accountability measures within police departments.
FAQ
- What was the outcome of Dylan Lineberger’s court case?
- Dylan Lineberger pleaded guilty to misdemeanor first-degree harassment and received a sentence of time served, along with a permanent restraining order.
- How long did Lineberger serve under a GPS monitor?
- Lineberger was wearing a GPS monitor for nearly a year following his arrest.
- What actions did Lineberger take against the victim?
- Lineberger sent unwanted texts, made phone calls, vandalized the victim’s vehicle, and made threats to her current boyfriend.
- Is there any ongoing legal action against Lineberger?
- Yes, a civil lawsuit filed by the victim regarding stalking remains ongoing, seeking punitive and compensatory damages for intentional emotional distress.
- What is the status of the CMPD’s investigation of Lineberger?
- The CMPD is investigating Lineberger’s conduct relating to his arrest and the allegations of misconduct.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Herald Online: Officer Charged
- WBTV: CMPD Officer Charged
- WSOC TV: Former Officer Accused of Harassment
- QC News: Officer Arrested for Harassment
- WIS TV: CMPD Officer Arrested
- Wikipedia: Police Brutality
- Google Search: Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department
- Google Scholar: Police Misconduct
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Police
- Google News: Harassment Cases
Author: STAFF HERE ROCK HILL
The ROCK HILL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERockHill.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Rock Hill, York County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Come-See-Me Festival, Rock Hill Arts Festival, and motorsport events at the Rock Hill Velodrome. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Rock Hill Chamber of Commerce and the Culture & Heritage Museums, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and technology that power the local economy such as 3D Systems and Comporium. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
