West Virginia Delegate Joseph de Soto Arrested for Alleged Death Threats Against Lawmakers

West Virginia delegate Joseph de Soto finds himself in legal hot water after allegedly making death threats against fellow lawmakers.

At a Glance

Joseph de Soto, an incoming West Virginia House delegate, arrested for alleged terroristic threats
De Soto reportedly claimed “God called him to kill” several lawmakers, including House Speaker
Charged with “terroristic threats,” bond set at $300,000
De Soto recently switched from Republican to Democratic party before arrest
Both parties condemn actions; preliminary hearing scheduled for December 23

Delegate Arrested for Alleged Threats

West Virginia’s political landscape was rocked when Joseph de Soto, an incoming member of the state’s House of Delegates, was arrested for allegedly making terroristic threats against fellow lawmakers. The West Virginia State Police took de Soto into custody following an investigation into claims that he intended to cause bodily harm to several Republican delegates, with House Speaker Roger Hanshaw reportedly among the targets.

The gravity of the situation became apparent as details emerged about the nature of de Soto’s alleged threats. According to official reports, de Soto claimed divine inspiration for his intentions.

“God called him to kill them.” – Joseph de Soto

This chilling statement, attributed to de Soto, sent shockwaves through the state’s political circles and prompted immediate action from law enforcement.

Political Fallout and Safety Concerns

The incident has caused significant turmoil within West Virginia’s political establishment. De Soto, who won a Republican primary but recently switched to the Democratic party, now faces expulsion from his newly joined caucus. The threats have led to genuine fear among lawmakers, with some taking drastic measures to ensure their safety.

“I instructed the kids to leave the house” – Del. Wayne Clark

The severity of the situation is underscored by the actions of delegates like Wayne Clark, who felt compelled to relocate their families due to safety concerns. Both Democratic and Republican party leaders have unequivocally condemned de Soto’s alleged actions, emphasizing the seriousness of the threats and the need for a swift response.

WV lawmaker Joseph #DeSoto is the new George Santos.

He's lied about being an Army Ranger medic, national security negotiator, a doctor, and a college dean. Now he has been arrested for threatening to kill fellow lawmakers. https://t.co/gAZU66lJuC

— David Stehle (@davidstehle) December 13, 2024

Legal Proceedings and Future Implications

De Soto now faces serious legal consequences. Charged with “terroristic threats,” a felony offense, he has been held on a substantial bond of $300,000. Despite the gravity of the accusations, it’s important to note that de Soto has pleaded not guilty and is considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

“The West Virginia State Police and the West Virginia Capitol Police take all threats against government process seriously. Any person making these threats used to intimidate, disrupt, or coerce the members of our West Virginia legislature or other governmental bodies will not be tolerated.” – West Virginia State Police Lt. Leslie T. Goldie Jr.

As the legal process unfolds, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for December 23, questions arise about the future of de Soto’s political career and the broader implications for political discourse in West Virginia. The Legislature is set to reconvene in February 2025, and it remains to be seen how this incident will impact the upcoming session and the overall political climate in the state.

Incoming House of Delegates member Joseph de Soto was arrested early Thursday morning by state police in Berkeley County for allegations that he threatened to harm fellow lawmakers.

Via @WV_Watch https://t.co/ZFuH0dn0Om

— Charleston Gazette-Mail (@wvgazettemail) December 12, 2024

This unprecedented situation serves as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining civil discourse in politics, even in the face of disagreements. As West Virginia grapples with this unsettling event, the focus now turns to ensuring the safety of public officials and preserving the integrity of the democratic process.