Crime
“Tell your tyrant to reel it in or the people will burn your house, office and tar and feather you in the streets of Hyannis,” the threat said.
A Dennis man was convicted of threatening to commit a crime Wednesday after he was accused of telling a state representative online that people may “tar and feather” him “in the streets of Hyannis” earlier this year.
James Spence, 63, was found guilty of threatening to commit a crime, arson, by a jury, the Cape & Islands District Attorney Robert Galibois announced Thursday. Prosecutors alleged that he threatened state Rep. Steve Xiarhos, who represents parts of Barnstable, Sandwich, and Bourne.
“I would like to thank District Attorney Galibois and his highly competent staff for their assistance,” Xiarhos said in a statement released by the DA. “I am pleased that justice has been served in the form of a conviction and I am looking forward to moving on from this very disturbing incident.”
Barnstable police began investigating in February after Xiarhos shared a screenshot of the Sandwich News Facebook page showing a message in response to the representative’s post on the same page, according to court records.
“Tell your tyrant to reel it in or the people will burn your house, office and tar and feather you in the streets of Hyannis,” the threat said, according to the DA. “I will not support you or your trumpism. This is a warning of what the people are saying.”
Police identified the poster as Spence, who admitted to making the threat, the DA said. When police spoke to Spence, he was “calm and apologetic,” according to court records.
Court documents also list more of Spence’s recent posts, including that he “sometimes doesn’t play by the rules.”
“There are no rules so I am on the edge with the rest of the country. Don’t be surprised when I stand up to authority. Thank Trump for blatantly disregard for the following constitutional laws, violating people’s rights,” Spence allegedly wrote, according to court documents, adding “Don’t worry I’m in psychotherapy.”
“Watch his actions as he lies, threatens and joins up with dictators that murder and kill any opposition, seek revenge,” Spence allegedly continued, referring to President Donald Trump. “Do be surprised. I am still waiting for the right moment when they look the other way. The most dangerous terrorist live right here in America.”
The post was not submitted to support the criminal charges, police wrote in the report.
“Spence’s Facebook page contains several other recent political postings in which he expresses dissatisfaction with the current Presidential Administration. It is clearly evident that Spence is opposed to Donald Trump and his supporters,” the police report said.
Spence was sentenced to six months in jail, which was suspended for 18 months. He was ordered to stay away from Xiarhos and attend mental health counseling.
“Public officials, regardless of their political affiliation, should be able to carry out their duties without fear for their safety or that of their families,” Galibois said. “Our office remains committed to protecting every member of this community including those elected to represent our residents from acts of violence, threats and intimidation.”
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