Man sentenced to 70 years for spitting on police officers

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A Texas man has been sentenced to 70 years in prison for reportedly spitting at Lubbock police officers.

Domestic dispute leads to arrest

Larry Pearson, 36, was arrested in May 2022 after an unnamed person waved down authorities behind an alleged domestic violence dispute, EverythingLubbock reports.

Authorities learned that Pearson struck the person multiple times, with the victim having “multiple visible injuries.” Once Pearson was apprehended, he allegedly began kicking to break free from the police vehicle. As the officers ordered him to stop, he allegedly spat at them. Police say Larry continued this behavior, spitting at law enforcement when he arrived at the Lubbock County Detention Center.

Man sentenced 70 years for spitting at police

On Wednesday (April 12), Pearson was found guilty of two counts of harassment of a public servant. During sentencing, Prosecutor Jessica Gorman asked the jury to “send a message” to the man and the public.

Pearson had prior convictions of aggravated robbery and continuous family violence. Due to those convictions, the Pearson could have at least received 25 years. Instead, he got 70.

“If you’re going to live the life of crime, you’re going to do that among other criminals [in prison],” Gorman said during closing arguments. Defense Attorney Jim Shaw told the jury the sentencing was for a “simple misdemeanor” in a circumstance that got “out of control.”