A Las Vegas man was sentenced on June 1 to 60 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, after being convicted of threatening to assault and murder public officials over a seven-month period. United States District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey handed down the sentence after a jury found Spencer Christjencody Gear guilty of nine counts of threatening a federal official and 11 counts of transmitting communications containing threats to injure. The government had recommended a sentence of 71 months.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, from November 30, 2023, through July 7, 2024, Gear used vulgar and violent language in phone calls and sent an email threatening eight federal officials—including judges—and three state employees. The threats were intended to intimidate these individuals as they performed their duties or retaliate against them for actions taken in Washington, D.C., New York, and Montana.
“Today’s sentencing should send a clear message that the FBI stands firm in its commitment to protecting our public officials and ensuring that individuals who seek to harm others will be held accountable,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher S. Delzotto for the FBI Las Vegas Field Office. “Threats of violence are never merely words; they constitute serious federal crimes, and the FBI takes every threat with utmost seriousness. The act of spreading fear and intimidation has no place in our community.”
“The United States Marshals quickly respond to threats against the judiciary and public officials,” said U.S. Marshal Gary Schofield for the U.S. Marshals Service. “This investigation is a result of solid partnerships with our fellow agencies that resulted in a conviction and justice being done.” Chief Michael G. Sullivan for the U.S. Capitol Police said, “Threats against public officials should never be tolerated… Their diligence and commitment to justice helped ensure that the individual responsible was held accountable.”
The case was investigated by the FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, and U.S. Capitol Police; it was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jacob Operskalski and Daniel Schiess.
The Justice Department serves as the principal federal agency for law enforcement with more than 115,000 employees operating across the United States as well as internationally in over 50 countries; it focuses on upholding rule of law while safeguarding civil rights under Attorney General Merrick B. Garland’s leadership since March 11, 2021, according to its official website.