A **Humboldt County, California**, man has been sentenced to more than eight years in state prison after being convicted of threatening a neighbor with an assault rifle, firing multiple shots, and later breaking into the same victim’s home while out on bail.
According to the **Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office (HCDA)**, **49-year-old Troy Spencer**, of **Myers Flat**, was found guilty on **July 6, 2026**, following a two-week jury trial. Jurors convicted Spencer on all charges stemming from two separate incidents involving the same female neighbor.
Prosecutors said the first incident occurred on **January 31, 2026**, when Spencer allegedly armed himself with an assault rifle and went to the victim’s residence. Authorities said he stood outside the woman’s bedroom window and made threatening statements, creating fear for her safety.
After leaving the property, Spencer allegedly fired **five rounds** from his rifle. Prosecutors said he later sent the victim a threatening text message that read, **”the next 5 through that house… U wanted the gangster, u got him now,”** further escalating concerns for the victim’s safety and reinforcing the seriousness of the threats.
The victim immediately contacted **911**, and another nearby resident also reported the incident. Deputies from the **Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO)** responded to investigate. During the investigation, Sgt. Jonathon Eckert and Deputy Jacob McKenzie gathered evidence that ultimately led to Spencer’s arrest. Authorities also recovered **four additional illegal firearms** during the investigation.
Despite being released on bail after his initial arrest, prosecutors said Spencer again targeted the same neighbor. On **March 18, 2026**, he allegedly broke into her home and stole several pieces of jewelry. Detectives investigated the burglary and arrested Spencer for a second time.
During the trial, prosecutors presented evidence connecting Spencer to both the armed threats and the subsequent burglary. The jury also determined that Spencer used an assault weapon during the commission of the offenses and committed the burglary while released on bail, findings that significantly increased his potential prison exposure under California law.
Because of those aggravating factors, Spencer faced a maximum possible sentence of **13 years and eight months** in state prison. However, during sentencing on **August 6, 2026**, **Humboldt County Superior Court Judge Kaleb Cockrum** imposed a sentence of **eight years and four months** in state prison.
The case highlights the serious legal consequences of violent threats involving firearms, intimidation of victims, and committing additional crimes while released on bail. Prosecutors said the sentence reflects the danger posed to the victim and the community by Spencer’s repeated criminal conduct.
