CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A recently elected state lawmaker in West Virginia is under scrutiny due to allegations of making terroristic threats, resulting in at least one felony charge against him.
Joseph de Soto, 61, was taken into custody by state police on Thursday in Martinsburg after authorities conducted an investigation that revealed he allegedly made multiple threatening statements directed at government officials. The specific details regarding the nature of these threats and the individuals involved were not disclosed by Lieutenant Leslie T. Goldie Jr. of the West Virginia State Police.
Reports indicate that one of de Soto’s alleged threats was directed towards Roger Hanshaw, the Republican Speaker of the House in West Virginia, as detailed by WVDM based on a criminal complaint.
De Soto was recently elected to his inaugural term in the West Virginia House as a member of the Republican Party, representing a portion of Berkeley County located in the eastern panhandle of the state. He secured 72% of the votes in the general election, having previously defeated two Republican challengers in the May primary.
As of Thursday night, de Soto had not responded to phone calls or emails requesting a comment. State police confirmed that their investigation into the matter remains ongoing.
Matt Herridge, the chair of the West Virginia Republican Party, stated that the party “disavows and condemns” the actions of de Soto. Herridge added, “Our elected officials sacrifice a lot to serve their communities, and it is a travesty for anyone to face the additional burden of threats made against themselves and their families.”
Interestingly, de Soto switched his political affiliation from Republican to Democrat just a day before his arrest, as reported by Mike Queen, a spokesperson for the West Virginia Secretary of State’s Office. Queen mentioned that while officials are permitted to alter their party affiliation post their swearing-in, the office is examining whether a politician elected under a specific party can transition to another prior to officially taking office.
Lieutenant Goldie emphasized the seriousness with which the West Virginia State Police and Capitol Police regard threats made against governmental processes, stating, “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.”
If de Soto is found guilty, he could face up to $25,000 in fines as well as a three-year prison sentence.
