Man Convicted of Hate Crimes After Terrorizing Couple with Racial Slurs and Knife

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced that George Pierce (DOB 08/30/53), of Oxnard, was convicted by a jury of multiple felony hate crimes  and related offenses stemming from a racially motivated attack made against a black couple in  Ventura.

The jury found Pierce guilty of felony criminal threats, attempted second degree  commercial burglary, exhibiting a deadly weapon, and a violation of civil rights. The jury also found  true the hate crime allegations attached to the criminal threats and attempted burglary charges, as  well as weapon-use enhancements.

Several aggravating factors against Pierce were found to be  true, including the victims being particularly vulnerable and using a weapon during the commission  of the crimes. Additionally, Pierce admitted aggravating factors including engaging in violent  conduct, serving a prior prison term, and being on probation at the time of the offenses. 

On October 12, 2025, the husband-and-wife victims entered a business on East Thompson  Boulevard in the City of Ventura. Pierce was sitting out front when they arrived. He immediately  began yelling racial slurs at them and repeatedly threatened to kill the male victim. Pierce then  began banging on the business’s front door with his fist before kicking and body slamming the door  to get inside.

During the incident, Pierce removed a knife from his pocket and stabbed at the glass  door multiple times while continuing to issue death threats. The victims feared for their lives and  called 911. Officers with the Ventura Police Department responded to the scene, recognized  Pierce from prior contacts, and arrested him. 

Senior Deputy District Attorney Hayley Moyer, a member of the Ventura County District Attorney’s  Office Major Crimes Unit, prosecuted the case. 

“This hate crime undermined the sense of safety the victims and our community deserve to feel in  Ventura County,” Ms. Moyer said. “This verdict helps restore peace of mind not only for the victims, but for our citizens, while sending a clear message that racially motivated violence and intimidation  will not be tolerated.” 

Pierce is scheduled to be sentenced on June 4, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. in courtroom 12 of the Ventura  County Superior Court. He was remanded into custody following the verdict and is being held  without bail. Pierce faces a maximum of seven years in state prison. 

Case: 2026000576 

Defendant Information: 

George Albert Pierce (DOB 08/30/53) 
Oxnard 

Charges convicted of: 

• PC 422(a) – Criminal threats 
• PC 664/459 – Attempted second degree commercial burglary 
• PC 417(a)(1) – Exhibiting a deadly weapon 
• PC 422.6(a) – Violation of civil rights 

Special allegations found true: 

• PC 12022(b)(1) – Use of deadly weapon 
• PC 422.75(a) – Hate crime 
• CRC 4.421(a)(2) – The defendant was armed with and used a weapon 
• CRC 4.421(a)(3) – Victim was vulnerable 
• CRC 4.421(b)(1) – Defendant has engaged in violent conduct 
• CRC 4.421(b)(3) – Defendant has served a prior prison term 
• CRC 4.421(b)(4) – Defendant was on probation when the crime was committed