Overview
- James Spence, 63, was found guilty of threatening to commit a crime (arson) for a social-media message targeting State Rep. Steve Xiarhos.
- The Feb. 25 post warned that people would burn the representative’s house and office and “tar and feather” him in Hyannis, according to court records.
- Barnstable police identified Spence as the account holder, and he admitted to making the post when questioned by detectives.
- A Barnstable District Court judge imposed a six-month house-of-correction sentence, suspended for 18 months, with orders for no contact and mental-health counseling.
- Prosecutors sought the statutory maximum jail term, and both District Attorney Robert J. Galibois and Rep. Xiarhos issued statements emphasizing protection of public officials from threats.