DENNIS— A 63-year-old man from Dennis has been convicted of making threatening remarks against state Rep. Steve Xiarhos, escalating tensions in the already charged political climate. James Spence was found guilty in Barnstable District Court for a chilling message he posted on social media that included a call to violence.

On February 25, 2025, amid a contentious exchange on a social media platform, Spence lashed out at the lawmaker, saying, “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. I will not support you or your Trumpism. This is a warning of what the people are saying,” according to court documents.

Authorities acted quickly after Barnstable police received reports of the threatening message and quickly identified Spence as the profile owner. When confronted by detectives, he reportedly admitted to making the threats, leading to serious criminal charges.

The court handed down a sentence that includes six months in a house of corrections, though that term has been suspended for eighteen months. In addition, Spence must maintain a distance from Xiarhos and participate in mental health counseling.

The District Attorney emphasized that public officials should be free from threats and intimidation as they carry out their duties. The conviction serves as a reminder of the increasing volatility in political discourse, where even social media comments can lead to legal consequences.