Former CMPD Officer Sentenced for Stalking Ex-Girlfriend

York, South Carolina – Dylan Lineberger, 33, a former police officer with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD), has avoided prison time after admitting in court to stalking and harassing his ex-girlfriend while wielding a gun. Lineberger, who pleaded guilty to misdemeanor first-degree harassment, was sentenced to time served along with a permanent restraining order.

Visiting Judge Keith Kelly suspended the maximum three-year prison sentence, granting Lineberger credit for 355 days spent wearing a GPS monitor since his arrest in late October 2024. Lineberger had been employed with CMPD for nine years before his arrest, during which he was placed on administrative leave and subsequently left the department in April 2025.

The victim, whose identity is protected due to safety concerns, was present at the court but did not speak. Following their breakup in September 2024, at the victim’s request for no further contact, Lineberger began his harassment, which started in North Carolina and continued in Rock Hill, South Carolina where the victim resided.

Lineberger’s methods of harassment included sending unwanted text messages, making phone calls, and giving gifts. He also vandalized her vehicle in October 2024. A threatening message directed at the victim’s current boyfriend emerged on October 24, 2024, in which Lineberger expressed intentions to kill him and force the victim to witness the act.

At the time of his arrest, Lineberger had access to his police-issued gun along with over 30 other weapons. Following the threat, he pursued the victim in a rented vehicle to a Food Lion grocery store in Rock Hill, using an app to block his phone number while making repeated calls to her.

Authorities arrested Lineberger in Lincoln County, North Carolina, before he was extradited to South Carolina. After his arrest, he was released on $10,000 bail, which required him to remain under GPS monitoring. Lineberger has no prior criminal record and is presently employed in a maintenance position.

In addition to the criminal proceedings, a civil lawsuit filed by the victim against Lineberger is ongoing. This lawsuit alleges stalking and includes claims that he attempted to hack into the victim’s email, conducted surveillance, and exhibited other dangerous actions. The victim currently has a restraining order against Lineberger in North Carolina as part of her legal proceedings.

In her civil suit, the victim is seeking both punitive and compensatory damages for emotional distress and other associated claims resulting from the harassment.

FAQ

Who is Dylan Lineberger?

Dylan Lineberger is a 33-year-old former police officer with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department who pleaded guilty to harassment against his ex-girlfriend.

What was Lineberger’s sentence?

Lineberger was sentenced to time served with a permanent restraining order and had credit for 355 days spent wearing a GPS monitor.

What were the details of Lineberger’s harassment?

Lineberger harassed his ex-girlfriend by sending unwanted messages, calling her, vandalizing her vehicle, and threatening her current boyfriend.

Is there a civil lawsuit against Lineberger?

Yes, a civil lawsuit filed by the victim against Lineberger alleges stalking and includes claims of hacking and surveillance.

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