After an investigation that took place over several months, a 33-year-old Santa Clarita man was arrested on suspicion of making criminal threats.

The incident that kicked it all off took place in Santa Clarita on Evans Ln. Deputies arrived at the scene after a woman reported having received several threatening text messages from a number she didn’t know. The texts continued between June and September of 2021.

The detectives were initially unable to make an arrest in June, though after a few months’ investigation, they discovered the number the texts were coming from and tied it to the suspect. After the arrest, the suspect was taken to the SCV Sheriff Station Jail and held in lieu of $50,000 bond.

Criminal threats are covered under California Penal Code 422 PC and described as threats of death or great bodily injury intended to (and d0) place a victim in a state of reasonable and sustained fear for their safety or that of their families. The threats can be transmitted verbally, in writing, or electronically.

The following are examples of criminal threats:

  • Threatening to shoot someone while you’re holding a gun.
  • Calling someone on the phone and telling them they had better watch their back
  • Sending an email to a former friend telling them you’re going to get their family

PC 422 is a “wobbler,” which means it can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the circumstances of the case and the defendant’s prior criminal history. Misdemeanor convictions carry a penalty of up to one year in county jail. For felony convictions, the defendant faces up to four years in California state prison. If the defendant uses a dangerous or deadly weapon in the threat, they face an additional year in prison.

Threats are considered a “strike” under California’s three-strikes law.

Robin Sandoval

Robin Sandoval

Robin Sandoval is a California Licensed Bail Bondsman and owner of SCV Bail Bonds. Robin writes blogs and articles to help increase community awareness of the bail industry. If you have questions or want to suggest a topic, email robin@scvbailbonds.com, visit www.scvbailbonds.com or call 661-299-2245.
Robin Sandoval
Robin Sandoval
Robin Sandoval

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