Man Sentenced for Criminal Threats and Hate Crime Against Couple

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced that George Pierce (DOB 08/30/53), of Oxnard, was sentenced on June 4, 2026, to three years four months in state prison for a hate crime attack made against a black couple in Ventura.

Pierce was previously convicted by a jury on May 7, 2026, 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.

“No one should be threatened, terrorized, or targeted because of who they are,” said District Attorney Erik Nasarenko. “This state prison sentence reflects the seriousness of the conduct and sends a clear message that hate motivated crimes will not be tolerated in Ventura County.”

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.

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