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The federal courthouse in Lubbock. Jacob Spencer, of Breckenridge, who is accused of orchestrating a murder-for-hire plot targeting his stepfather, was sentenced this week in Lubbock on a federal gun charge. (Contributed photo)
Jacob Wayne Spencer, the Breckenridge man accused of hiring a man to kill his stepfather, was sentenced in federal court Tuesday.
Spencer, 45, accepted a plea deal for possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number, one of two charges he was indicted for May 22. While also being indicted for possession of an unregistered and unserialized firearm, he only pleaded guilty to the single charge.
A federal judge in Lubbock sentenced Spencer to 60 months incarceration at a federal correctional institution in Seagoville. The sentence will run consecutively to any sentence imposed in the Stephens County case.
Stephens County Sheriff’s Office arrested Spencer, after he allegedly hired a man, later identified as Walter Tarver, to kill his stepfather, Jay Marcom, in exchange for cash.
Following an April 23 tip and interviews with Tarver, agents executed a search warrant at Spencer’s home May 2, where they located a safe. Included in the safe was over $13,000 in cash and a Smith & Wesson 9-millimeter pistol with the serial number obliterated, and homemade silencers.
As part of the judgment, the silencers and pistol, along with any associated ammunition, are required to be forfeited by Spencer.
Spencer’s sentencing in federal court is not the end of the road, as he was indicted on two felony charges in Stephens County in late July.
Spencer was indicted on two felony charges — criminal conspiracy and criminal solicitation to commit capital murder.
“The two offenses that were indicted are first-degree felonies punishable by five to 99 years or life in prison and a fine of up to $10,000,” special prosecutor Jeff Swain said. “That is the same range of punishment applicable for the offense of murder. No other charges were presented, dropped or no billed.”
The court appointed Parker County District Attorney Jeff Swain as district attorney pro tem, also known as a special prosecutor, following the recusal of District Attorney Dee Peavy, due to a conflict of interest.
Spencer’s arraignment in Stephens County is set for 1 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 23, with potential plea negotiations scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 20.
