Advisory
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The Meridian Police Department’s mission is to provide the highest quality service in partnership with the community to preserve and protect life and property through education, prevention and enforcement. The department has 147 police officers, and 45 non-sworn staff dedicated to making Meridian a great place to live, work and raise a family
Meridian Man Sentenced to Prison Following Sexual Assault Investigation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, July 1st 2026
CONTACT: Jordan Robinson, Public Safety PIO 208-846-7360 or [email protected]
Meridian Man Sentenced to Prison Following Sexual Assault Investigation
MERIDIAN, Idaho — A Meridian man arrested earlier this year following a Meridian Police investigation into multiple sexual assaults has been sentenced in Ada County District Court.
On June 30, 2026, Thomas SPENCER (51) was sentenced to 40 years fixed followed by a life indeterminate sentence for crimes related to the repeated sexual assault of an adult female victim. The court also issued a 50-year no-contact order protecting the victim.
The investigation began after Meridian Police detectives received a tip from the FBI that SPENCER had posted multiple videos on the social media platform Telegram depicting himself sexually assaulting an incoherent and incapacitated female. Detectives quickly identified both the suspect and the victim, leading to SPENCER's arrest on February 6, 2026.
Throughout the investigation, detectives determined the victim had not consented to the sexual acts, was unaware the videos had been recorded, and had no recollection of the assaults. Investigators also learned SPENCER had obtained pharmaceutical controlled substances through individuals on Telegram and admitted to using those substances to repeatedly incapacitate the victim over a period of approximately five years.
"This sentence reflects the seriousness of these horrific crimes and the lasting impact they have on victims," said Meridian Police Chief Tracy Basterrechea. "I am incredibly proud of the swift, thorough work of our detectives, whose dedication ensured this dangerous offender was taken into custody quickly and brought to justice. Their commitment, along with the partnership of the Ada County Prosecutor's Office, helped achieve accountability while prioritizing the needs of the victim throughout this case."
The Meridian Police Department recognizes the courage it takes for victims to come forward and remains committed to investigating sexual assault cases with compassion, professionalism, and determination. We also thank the individual who provided the initial tip, which was instrumental in launching this investigation.
As with all criminal convictions, the defendant has the right to appeal the judgment. Under Idaho law, a notice of appeal generally must be filed within 42 days of the entry of the judgment of conviction.
On June 30, 2026, Thomas SPENCER (51) was sentenced to 40 years fixed followed by a life indeterminate sentence for crimes related to the repeated sexual assault of an adult female victim. The court also issued a 50-year no-contact order protecting the victim.
The investigation began after Meridian Police detectives received a tip from the FBI that SPENCER had posted multiple videos on the social media platform Telegram depicting himself sexually assaulting an incoherent and incapacitated female. Detectives quickly identified both the suspect and the victim, leading to SPENCER's arrest on February 6, 2026.
Throughout the investigation, detectives determined the victim had not consented to the sexual acts, was unaware the videos had been recorded, and had no recollection of the assaults. Investigators also learned SPENCER had obtained pharmaceutical controlled substances through individuals on Telegram and admitted to using those substances to repeatedly incapacitate the victim over a period of approximately five years.
"This sentence reflects the seriousness of these horrific crimes and the lasting impact they have on victims," said Meridian Police Chief Tracy Basterrechea. "I am incredibly proud of the swift, thorough work of our detectives, whose dedication ensured this dangerous offender was taken into custody quickly and brought to justice. Their commitment, along with the partnership of the Ada County Prosecutor's Office, helped achieve accountability while prioritizing the needs of the victim throughout this case."
The Meridian Police Department recognizes the courage it takes for victims to come forward and remains committed to investigating sexual assault cases with compassion, professionalism, and determination. We also thank the individual who provided the initial tip, which was instrumental in launching this investigation.
As with all criminal convictions, the defendant has the right to appeal the judgment. Under Idaho law, a notice of appeal generally must be filed within 42 days of the entry of the judgment of conviction.
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The Meridian Police Department’s mission is to provide the highest quality service in partnership with the community to preserve and protect life and property through education, prevention and enforcement. The department has 147 police officers, and 45 non-sworn staff dedicated to making Meridian a great place to live, work and raise a family
Address/Location
Meridian Police Department
1401 E Watertower St
Meridian, ID 83642
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 208-888-6678
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